Super Typhoon Bavi Threatens China With Massive Impact

China’s Central Meteorological Observatory has issued an urgent warning as Super Typhoon Bavi, the ninth named storm of the 2026 Pacific typhoon season, intensifies to super typhoon status with maximum sustained winds of 62 meters per second (138 mph) and a minimum central pressure of 915 hPa. Authorities are urging comprehensive preparedness measures as the storm tracks toward China’s eastern coastline, with potential landfall in Zhejiang or Fujian provinces expected between July 11 and 12.

Storm Status and Trajectory

As of 08:00 on July 7, the typhoon’s center was located at 16.2°N, 139.9°E, approximately 2,130 kilometers east-southeast of Keelung, Taiwan, according to CCTV News. The storm is moving west-northwest at 25-30 km/h with little change in intensity expected before July 8. Bavi’s wind field is exceptionally large, with a 7-level wind radius of 320-380 km, a 10-level wind radius of 160 km, and a 12-level wind radius of 80 km.

The Central Meteorological Observatory outlined two primary landfall scenarios. In Scenario A, Bavi will graze or make landfall on northern Taiwan’s coast on the night of July 10-11, then strike near the Zhejiang-Fujian border on July 11-12 at typhoon strength (14-15 levels, 42-48 m/s). In Scenario B, the storm passes east of Taiwan and makes direct landfall in Zhejiang at super typhoon strength (14-16 levels, 45-52 m/s), as Xinhua News Agency reported.

Dual Typhoon Threat

Bavi’s approach comes on the heels of Typhoon Maysak (the 10th typhoon of 2026), which has already brought devastating rainfall to southern China. From July 3-6, Maysak dumped 100-300 mm of rain across Guangxi, Guangdong, and Hainan, with isolated areas receiving 400-600 mm and a maximum hourly rainfall of 186.2 mm. The compounding effect of back-to-back typhoons poses particular challenges for disaster response, as soils are already saturated and reservoirs may be near capacity in affected regions.

According to the Beijing News, China’s National Climate Center predicted 4-6 typhoons would form in July 2026, above the historical average of 3.8, with 2-3 expected to make landfall or affect coastal areas. National Climate Center Deputy Director Yuan Jiashuang warned that overall intensity is expected to be stronger than normal, with a particular risk of strong typhoons moving northward to affect northern China.

Government Response and Preparedness

The Chinese government has activated its multi-level emergency response system. The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters maintains a Level IV flood control and typhoon emergency response for Hainan, Guangxi, and Guangdong, as reported by China Youth Network. The Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party held a meeting on June 30 specifically to study and deploy flood control and typhoon preparedness work, emphasizing the need to guard against major floods, resist major droughts, and prevent strong typhoons.

“Relevant departments are advised to formulate emergency plans in advance to prevent disasters caused by typhoon-induced heavy rain, floods, strong winds, and storm surges,” Yuan Jiashuang said during the China Meteorological Administration’s July press conference.

Expected Impact Zones

Starting from July 9, Bavi will bring strong wind and rain impacts to eastern China. The areas expected to be affected include the East China Sea, southern Yellow Sea, waters near the Diaoyu Islands, Taiwan Strait, Bashi Channel, waters east of Taiwan, northeastern South China Sea, and the East China coast and eastern Guangdong coast. Taiwan and华东 (East China) regions are expected to experience torrential rain, with some areas facing the risk of extreme precipitation events.

Analysis and Implications

The 2026 typhoon season has been characterized by above-average activity, with two typhoons forming in June alone. Bavi’s intensity—with winds of 62 m/s and a central pressure of 915 hPa—places it among the strongest typhoons to threaten China this season. Its large wind field means impacts could be felt over a wide area even if the center remains offshore.

The back-to-back nature of Maysak and Bavi creates a compounding risk. With ground already saturated from Maysak’s rainfall, the potential for widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage is significantly elevated. Eastern China’s densely populated coastal regions, which are home to major economic hubs and critical infrastructure, face the highest risk.

What to Watch For

In the coming days, the exact track of Super Typhoon Bavi will become clearer as steering currents determine whether it strikes Taiwan directly or passes east of the island before making landfall in mainland China. Maritime authorities have already issued safety guidance for vessels, advising ships to maintain safe distances from the storm’s path and for port operations to prepare for disruptions. Residents in the potential impact zones should monitor official warnings closely and prepare for the possibility of severe weather beginning July 9.