Wildfire smoke to have minimal impact on World Cup final
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A pall of wildfire smoke hanging over the Manhattan Bridge and the lower Manhattan skyline on July 16.
PHOTO: ANGELINA KATSANIS/ NYTIMES
- Canadian wildfire smoke will have minimal impact on the July 19 World Cup final in New York New Jersey Stadium.
- Air quality is expected to improve from "poor to unhealthy" on July 18 to below "good levels" on the match day.
- Rain on July 18 should help clear smoke, making conditions more comfortable for fans and players despite some lingering haze.
AI generated
NEW YORK - Canadian wildfire smoke will have a minimal impact on the July 19 World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium, forecaster AccuWeather said on July 17, as a crowd of more than 80,000 is set to watch Argentina play Spain for soccer’s biggest prize.
Heavy smoke from hundreds of wildfires in Canada has blanketed a large swathe of the US this week, prompting air quality warnings from officials.
Air quality may register below “good levels” on July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, AccuWeather said, but fans and players can expect an improvement over the “poor to unhealthy” conditions expected on July 18.
“It may still not be considered good, but it should not be as bad as Saturday. It will also be less humid compared to Saturday, which will make for more comfortable conditions,” said meteorologist Adam Douty.
The New York New Jersey region smelled of smoke under hazy skies this week, as local authorities urged residents to reduce strenuous outdoor activity.
Rain forecast for July 18 is expected to help dissipate a lot of the smoke. REUTERS
