It is confirmed at Cat 4. The IR images from NRL between 1800 and 1830Z changed the pressure/max winds from 927/115kts to 910/130kts. And the eye still hasn't cleared out. The area to the NW that was having some trouble is pretty much filled in. The storm is very compact and the IR is looking like a plate (attached) -- not quite as good as Mala at her peak but very impressive, cloud top temps at least -85. So what will we be looking at by late tonight? Worse, there's time for an ERC to complete before it gets close to landfall. Outflow has continued to improve as well.

Gee first Monica, then Mala, now Chanchu.