Wildfire smoke has smothered New York City, triggering concerns as to whether the World Cup final will be able to kick off on time.
Weather conditions have taken a turn for the worse in the days leading up to the match, though, due to wildfires smouldering thousands of miles away in Canada.
Smoke has been blown well south of the border and has engulfed New York in an eerie orange haze, prompting local officials to issue a public health warning. Residents have been asked to stay indoors as much as possible, and avoid vigorous physical activity.
New Yorkers have been warned against vigorous outdoor physical activity mere days before the World Cup final
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National guard members have even been seen handing out masks to help residents deal with smoke.
One expert told local newspaper the New York Post the air quality was so poor that spending a day outdoors could have the same effect as smoking ten cigarettes, due to particles in the smoke which can enter one’s bloodstream.
Gianni Infantino is set to hold crisis talks with White House officials this week to assess the level of danger.
There is precedent for wildfire smoke forcing football matches to be postponed, too, after Chicago Fire vs Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS was called off earlier this week. So too was an NWSL match in New York on Wednesday.
Spain vs Argentina weather forecast
As things stand, much of the lingering smoke is expected to have cleared from New York by the time of the World Cup final, which will get underway at 3pm local time on Sunday, July 19.
Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup task force, said in a statement: “Testing will be administered if it is necessary. We’ve had the National Weather Service sitting with FIFA from the very beginning of this tournament.
“I think the good news right now, knock on wood, is it looks like this weather is going to clear by Sunday, and so hopefully it’s a non-issue at this point.
“We’re going to talk about it more this afternoon into the evening and keep monitoring it and see. Ultimately, we want to make sure that it’s safe and healthy for not just the players, but obviously the fans that are going to be out there as well.”
The smoky haze over New York is expected to lift over the weekend
AFP/Getty
Also helping the smoke to clear will be a smattering of rain, expected to arrive on Saturday and continue on Sunday. Showers will continue throughout Saturday evening, before coming more isolated the following day.
The day of the final itself will be sunny and hot, with 28C temperatures and cloudless skies expected at kick-off.
A second hydration break could be added if air quality is deemed poor enough.
Standard severe weather policies will, of course, apply in the event of thunder and lightning. US policy on extreme weather at outside sporting events dictates that a match must be delayed or suspended if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium.
Players, coaches and officials must all return inside, while fans are told to evacuate the stands and shelter safely.
The area in question must be completely clear of lightning for a full 30 minutes before a game can safely resume.
