Smoke from wildfires in Canada has drifted into New York and New Jersey, triggering air quality alerts and clouding preparations for the men's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday. The air quality index reached 265, a level classified as "very unhealthy," as smoke from dozens of fires in southern Canada and Ontario pushed southward. New York woke Thursday to an orange-tinged sky.
The mayor of New York has urged residents to limit time outdoors, while authorities advised the use of air filters and masks. The final will be played at the open-roofed MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Forecasters say rain expected on Saturday could help clear conditions ahead of kickoff.