safety
Thunderstorms will clear wildfire smoke from Northeast ahead of World Cup final, meteorologists say
By Jennifer Mcdermott And Philip Marcelo, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 18, 2026
· 5 min read
Smoke from Canadian wildfires that engulfed the Northeast in haze is expected to mostly clear from the New Jersey area just in time for the World Cup final on Sunday thanks to thunderstorms passing through, meteorologists said.Still, warnings of unhealthy air remained in effect Saturday across a ...
Key takeaway Still, warnings of unhealthy air remained in effect Saturday across a wide swath of the United States, and President Donald Trump continued to lay blame on Canada for the smoke crossing the border.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio residents watching the World Cup final on Sunday can take note of the dramatic change in air quality expected in the Northeast, a stark contrast to the usual concerns about ozone levels and heat-related illnesses in their own city. While the Canadian wildfires' impact is being felt far beyond the border, local fans gearing up to watch the Spain-Argentina match can appreciate the role of thunderstorms in clearing the air. This phenomenon is reminiscent of the occasional cold fronts that bring relief to San Antonio during intense summer heatwaves, underscoring the complex interplay between weather patterns and air quality. As the city's own environmental challenges come into focus, the experience of the Northeast during the World Cup final serves as a reminder that effective forecasting and monitoring are crucial in mitigating the effects of poor air quality, a lesson that can be applied to San Antonio's own efforts to manage its unique environmental concerns.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Smoke from Canadian wildfires that engulfed the Northeast in haze is expected to mostly clear from the New Jersey area just in time for the World Cup final on Sunday thanks to thunderstorms passing through, meteorologists said.Still, warnings of unhealthy air remained in effect Saturday across a ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jennifer Mcdermott And Philip Marcelo, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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