Smoke from massive Canadian wildfires spread across large parts of the United States on Friday, triggering unhealthy air quality alerts and raising concerns ahead of Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup final near New York. Air quality deteriorated in several major cities as strong winds carried thick smoke southward.
Detroit and Chicago recorded hazardous air quality levels, with air monitoring service IQAir ranking them among the world’s most polluted cities. Washington, D.C., also experienced very unhealthy conditions, prompting health officials to advise residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities.
The New York City metropolitan area, including neighboring New Jersey where the World Cup final will be held at an open-air stadium, remained under unhealthy air conditions. Thick haze reduced visibility across Manhattan, with the skyline barely visible on Thursday.
The National Weather Service warned that smoke could become even denser overnight and into Saturday morning, urging residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, to limit time outdoors as air quality continues to worsen.
