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With the World Cup less than 24 hours away, something is undoubtedly catching the attention of organizers, fans and players alike.
Smoke from wildfires in Canada that started earlier this week has engulfed the northeastern United States, raising questions about what happened during Spain’s final match against Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday.
Visible fog hung over two World Cup hosts in New York and New Jersey on Saturday, with bad weather causing confusion.
At one point on Friday, New York became the most polluted city in the world.
The World Cup final between the European champions and the current title holders will kick off at 3pm (19:00 GMT) on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Here’s what we know about the smoke, the weather and the World Cup final:
Is it foggy in New York and New Jersey at the World Cup final?
Smoke from the Canadian wildfires is swirling around the region, reducing visibility and disrupting air quality in many states in the northeastern US.
Hazardous air warnings remain in effect for much of the US east coast on Saturday.
However, experts are predicting that things will go well for the big show in New Jersey tomorrow.
Air quality forecasts show a change from unhealthy air to “normal” air quality for affected communities from Saturday to Sunday in East Rutherford, which does not mean there is no health risk for the general public on the final day.
What is the weather like and what will it be like in New Jersey before the final match between Spain and Argentina?
A storm moved through the area Saturday afternoon, bringing heavy rain and thunder to New York’s New Jersey Stadium, also known as MetLife Stadium.
State police urged people to leave the stadium and take cover. Volunteers and workers rushed inside for protection as ponchos were handed out. The sky was thick, gray as it had been for several days.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill warned residents of the potential for damaging winds, torrential rain, flooding and heavy snow.
FIFA said it is in close contact with local authorities as it continues to monitor the impact of smoke from the bonfires and strong winds at the stadium during the final match.
Has the weather and smoke interfered with preparations in Spain or Argentina?
The final training session in Spain before the final at the nearby Melanie Lane Training Ground was called off due to storms and lightning in the area.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) says this is in line with the US hurricane protection policy.
“The players are currently taking part in indoor training,” the RFEF added.
FIFA has said that there will be no more time for the team to learn.
Argentina had an outdoor training session at the scheduled time of 1:30pm (17:30 GMT), with the players showing no concerns about the quality of the air or the weather.
Will smoke affect the World Cup final?
The fog will be heavy in New Jersey at the end of the day, thanks to the storms moving through the area, forecasters say.
“This storm will clear the northeast before the last wave between Spain and Argentina,” said Tyler Roys, AccuWeather Online Meteorologist.
“There may be residual smoke that will make things dark, but very faint,” Roys said. “In terms of the high levels of smog, the smog that has been building up and causing air pollution, which is not expected in New York City or the Northeast.”
Jeff Berardelli, chief meteorologist and meteorologist at WFLA-TV, echoed the forecast, saying the storm would “sweep the sky”, leaving so little smoke that World Cup viewers could still hear in the air.
“It’s not going to be dangerous anymore,” Berardelli said. “It’s going to be great.”
Temperatures are expected to be around 27C (80F) with light winds and low humidity for the start.
“You couldn’t have asked for a better season at the World Cup,” added Berardelli.
Both experts expect more smoke Sunday to settle near the fire, hanging over parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes region.
Berardelli said they are burning longer and faster because of climate change.
