Super Typhoon Champi has emerged as the most powerful tropical cyclone of 2026 so far, with peak sustained winds reaching 296 kmph. After intensifying over the western Pacific, the Category 5-equivalent storm passed close to Guam and is now tracking towards the waters east of Taiwan.

Champi has surpassed Hurricane Polo, which recorded maximum sustained winds of 285 kmph, to take the top spot based on wind speed. However, cyclone rankings can vary depending on whether wind speeds or central air pressure are used to measure a storm's intensity.

The storm's rapid intensification was fuelled by unusually warm ocean waters, with sea surface temperatures around 30°C. These warm conditions supplied the heat and moisture needed to strengthen the cyclone. Relatively weak winds at different levels of the atmosphere also helped Champi maintain its structure and intensify.

Champi is the seventh Category 5 system recorded in 2026. Category 5 represents the highest level on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale, which classifies storms according to their sustained wind speeds.

The storm's approach had already triggered emergency preparations in the western Pacific. According to The Associated Press, airports, harbours and some healthcare facilities in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands were closed as Champi approached.

As of October 21, the Hong Kong Observatory placed Champi about 1,740 km east-southeast of Hong Kong, tracking its movement towards the seas east of Taiwan.

The observatory forecast that the storm would weaken later in the week as it encountered less favourable conditions.