Smoke from Canadian wildfires has been drifting southward recently, enveloping a large area of the northeastern United States, including New York, triggering health warnings. According to meteorological experts, the thick smoke lingering over New York City may gradually dissipate on Friday, with rain expected over the weekend to help wash away the haze.
In recent years, smoke from wildfires in northern Canada has become a common summer weather phenomenon in several parts of the United States. The National Weather Service has issued air quality alerts for the entire state of New York, Connecticut, as well as most parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, with the alerts in effect until late Thursday night.
Meteorological data indicates that as of Thursday afternoon, the air quality index in New York City remained fluctuating between yellow and orange alert levels, indicating higher health risks for individuals with sensitive respiratory systems.
Meteorologist Mike Woods from FOX 5 NY pointed out on Thursday that following the severe smoke in New York, the air quality in the city had “slightly improved but still not ideal.”
He mentioned that the smoke in New York would continue to dilute on Thursday and would only significantly dissipate on Friday morning, although the sky wouldn’t be completely clear.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York also issued a warning on Thursday, stating that many parts of the state would experience “very unhealthy” air conditions, urging people to stay indoors as much as possible.
According to a prediction by AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva cited by Reuters on Thursday, a cold front was expected to reach the northeastern United States over the weekend, bringing rain that could clear most of the smoke before the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19.
AccuWeather’s forecast showed that on Thursday, the air quality in New Jersey, where the World Cup final would be held, was rated as “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” and areas with higher smoke concentrations could even cause respiratory discomfort, advising people to stay indoors.
DaSilva mentioned that the New York area was expected to receive heavy rain on Saturday, which would help disperse the smoke in the air, significantly improving the regional air quality. Following the passage of a cold front on Sunday morning, the remaining smoke would be further dispersed.
However, the International WELL Building Institute predicted that even before the final on Sunday, the air quality index in the New York area might only maintain a moderate level.
The World Cup final is scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Defending champions Argentina will face European champions Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium. It is expected that over 80,000 spectators will gather at the venue, with approximately 50,000 more watching the match on large screens in Central Park, Manhattan.