Meteorologists issue new wildfire smoke forecast for World Cup final

Warnings of unhealthy air quality remained in effect Saturday across a wide swath of the United States - (AP Photo/Ryan Murphy)

Smoke from Canadian wildfires, which has caused unhealthy air quality across the US Northeast, is expected to largely clear from the New Jersey area before the World Cup final on Sunday, thanks to thunderstorms.

Heavy rain and thunder hit MetLife Stadium, where the final is being held, on Saturday, leading to warnings for damaging winds, tornadoes, flash flooding, and large hail in New Jersey, and the suspension of Spain's training session.

Meteorologists predict a significant improvement in air quality for the final, moving from “unhealthy for sensitive groups” to “moderate,” meaning little to no health risk for the general public, though some faint haze or smell might remain.

Hundreds of active wildfires are burning across Canada, exacerbated by climate change, leading to evacuations in regions like Nova Scotia and Ontario, with some areas experiencing unprecedented fire seasons.

President Donald Trump has criticized Canada over the wildfire smoke and threatened new tariffs, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded by emphasizing climate change and the importance of international cooperation.

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Trump threatens Canada with tariffs for wildfire smoke blanketing the US