The world’s eyes will turn to East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday as more than 80,000 fans gather to watch Argentina face Spain in the soccer World Cup final. The stadium, a joint venture of New York and New Jersey, is set to host the sport’s most prestigious match amid a week dominated by wildfire smoke.
Hundreds of wildfires across Canada have sent thick plumes of smoke southward, blanketing a large swath of the United States. The haze has prompted health warnings and a call for residents to curb strenuous outdoor activity, but the forecast for Sunday suggests a marked improvement.
A Look at the Forecast
Meteorologist Adam Douty expects lower humidity and more comfortable temperatures for the match, even as residual smoke lingers over the region. While air quality may still register below "good" levels in East Rutherford, it will be a noticeable upgrade from the "poor to unhealthy" conditions anticipated on Saturday.
Rain showers are predicted for Saturday night, which should help disperse much of the smoke before the final kicks off. This weather shift is welcome news for players and spectators who have been breathing in the acrid air all week.
Local authorities have urged the public to limit heavy outdoor exertion, but the atmosphere is expected to be less oppressive when the whistle blows. Fans can look forward to a spectacle unmarred by the severe visibility issues that have plagued other parts of the country.