Bavi was near its maximum potential intensity

Figure 1. Radar image of Super Typhoon Bavi at 7:17 p.m. EDT July 5, 2026, showing possible mesovorticies embedded in the west eyewall. This image from the Guam radar to the south is partially blocked by high terrain, resulting in a swath of missing data fanning out from the radar to the NNE. (Image credit: RadarScope Pro)

Bavi hit Rota at peak intensity: 180 mph (290 km/h) winds with a central pressure of 910 mb. This is quite close to the maximum potential intensity that a tropical cyclone can have under those prevailing atmospheric and oceanic conditions — about 200 mph with a central pressure of 885 mb, according to a graphic from the University of Wisconsin CIMSS. It is quite rare for a hurricane or typhoon to reach its maximum potential intensity — all conditions have to be perfect, and the atmosphere and ocean make up a complex system where perfection is rarely achieved.