The New York City area is grappling with haze and smoke from wildfires in Canada, although meteorologists believe that the weather might improve as we approach the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday.
On Friday, New Yorkers again faced “unhealthy” air quality levels, with the city ranking fourth worst globally, according to IQAir. This alarming status has led to health advisories.
People are being told to remain indoors as much as they can and to minimize demanding outdoor activities, especially those prone to respiratory issues.
The smoke has raised concerns as Spain and Argentina gear up for their match at the outdoor stadium in New York/New Jersey, which will determine the 2026 World Cup champion.
Fortunately, a cold front and expected rain this weekend could help clear some of the smoke before the game kicks off, experts suggest.
“We should see significant rain on Saturday, which should reduce a lot of the smoke. I think a cold front will move in Sunday morning, clearing out the remaining haze,” said meteorologist Alex DaSilva from AccuWeather.
Even with potential improvements before the 3 PM match, health risks still linger for players, according to experts.
Dr. Vin Gupta, a pulmonologist and American Lung Association director, noted that not only does poor air quality pose a threat, but the heat can add stress to the heart. “It’s a concerning combination for the body, so it’s crucial to keep body temperature down,” he emphasized.
