Bavi Reaches Cat 5, Aims at Saipan and Tinian as 2026's Third Major Typhoon

Typhoon Bavi rapidly intensified into 2026’s third Category 5 storm, reaching about 160 mph and threatening the U.S. Northern Mariana Islands (Tinian and Saipan) with catastrophic winds; JTWC forecast a peak near 175 mph before an eyewall replacement cycle may weaken it, with landfall near the Marianas possible this weekend. After passing the islands, Bavi is expected to move west-northwest toward Taiwan or China by July 10–11. The event occurs in a warming-El Niño–driven regime that has seen more Cat 4–5 tropical cyclones globally.