On the afternoon of 18/10, super typhoon Champi was active in the Northwest Pacific, marking the 30th storm to form in the region since the beginning of the year. At 13h, the storm's center was approximately 2,700 km east of the Philippines, with maximum winds at level 16 and gusts above level 17.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting stated that in the next 24 hours, the storm would move west-northwest at about 20 km/h, heading towards Taiwan island (China).

The storm is forecast to maintain winds at level 16 and gusts above level 17 for the next two days, then gradually weaken. By around 23/10, as it approaches Taiwan, the storm could still have winds at level 15 and gusts above level 17.

According to meteorological agencies, the probability of Champi entering the South China Sea is only about 10-20%, whereas the likelihood of the storm moving northwest and affecting Taiwan and coastal China is 80-90%. Japanese and Hong Kong meteorological agencies also forecast the storm to maintain strong intensity for the next two days.

Despite its low probability of entering the South China Sea, super typhoon Champi could still cause strong winds in the northern sea. From around 21/10, the western circulation of the storm may affect the northeastern part of the northern South China Sea, bringing winds of level 6.

Location of super typhoon Champi on the afternoon of 18/10. _Photo: Disaster Monitoring System_

By 23-24/10, northeasterly winds in the northern South China Sea could reach level 6-7, with gusts of level 9-10, and waves 3-5 m high, posing a danger to vessels operating in the area.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting continues to monitor the super typhoon's path and intensity, and will provide updates as changes occur.

According to meteorological assessments, the number of storms and tropical depressions active in the South China Sea during the final months of 2026 tends to be lower than the multi-year average. However, there is still a possibility of storms affecting Vietnam's mainland, with a particular need to prepare for heavy rainfall in the Central region.

El Nino is forecast to maintain strong to very strong intensity in the final months of the year, leading to rainfall totals in many areas, especially the Central, Central Highlands, and Southern regions, tending to be lower than the multi-year average. Nevertheless, the risk of localized heavy rain and dangerous weather phenomena remains present.

Gia Chinh