Canadian wildfire smoke sparks air quality alert in New York ahead of World Cup final
- Toronto recorded the world’s worst air quality among major cities on Wednesday as wildfire smoke from northwestern Ontario blanketed the region and triggered health warnings.
- Wildfires burning in remote areas of Ontario are sending smoke across Canada and into the northeastern U.S., though they are not directly threatening major cities.
- Toronto’s Air Quality Health Index reached 10+, indicating “very high risk,” with hazardous conditions expected to continue through Thursday night.
- New York City also experienced unhealthy air quality, prompting officials to issue an alert and advise residents to limit strenuous outdoor activity and take precautions ahead of the World Cup 2026 final in New Jersey.
- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul urged residents to take precautions as wildfire smoke created unhealthy conditions across the state, while experts warned the worst air quality may still be ahead and smoke could linger through the end of the week.
More bulletins