New York City issues red alert for extreme heat and wildfire smoke two days before World Cup final

Published Jul 17, 07:34 AM UTC

New York City has been placed under a red alert due to a combination of extreme heat and poor air quality caused by smoke from wildfires in Ontario, Canada. The emergency measures come just two days before the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, scheduled for Sunday at MetLife Stadium, about fifteen kilometers west of Manhattan. Temperatures are expected to reach around 32°C, and the Air Quality Index is forecast to hit 200, a level considered 'unhealthy' for the entire population. Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to stay indoors, use air-conditioned spaces, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable individuals. The city is keeping hundreds of cooling centers open and distributing free masks to limit exposure to fine particulate matter. Outdoor activities, including pools and beaches, are discouraged if air quality worsens.

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