‘Some of the worst air quality we ever experience’: Smoky conditions persist in Toronto. Live updates here.

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CP24 LIVE: Wildfire smoke persists, triggering air quality warnings | Toronto's Breaking News

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Wildfire smoke leaves Toronto with some of the world's worst air quality

Smoky conditions have once again shuttered outdoor programs and facilities in Toronto, including pools across the city.

An air quality warning, orange alert, remains in effect today as wildfire smoke from northern Ontario drifts south.

• IN PHOTOS: Here is a closer look at Toronto’s orange sky amid wildfire smoke

Environment Canada is warning that everyone, “regardless of their age or health status,” is impacted by poor air quality.

Key details:

• An air quality warning, orange alert, remains in effect on Thursday
• Some cancellations and closures have been reported, including City-run outdoor pools
• The smoke is expected to subside on Friday.

7 a.m. - ‘Some of the worst air we ever experience’

CP24 Meteorologist Bill Coulter said Toronto will see the worst of the bad air today before the situation improves on Friday.

“At least for the immediate future, we should see some improvement,” he said. “It is shifting out of our area temporarily tomorrow.”

He urged people to avoid any type of strenuous activity outdoors if possible.

“This is some of the worst air quality we ever experience here in the city,” he added.

“We really are telling you to limit your time outdoors... This just is not good. And we don’t say that lightly. We don’t tell you when it is super cold to stay indoors.”

-Codi Wilson, Web Journalist, CP24.com

6:45 a.m. - London, Ont. experiencing ‘major issues’ due to the smoke

The air quality warning remains in effect for London, Ont., Thursday morning and the smoke is causing disruptions in and around the city.

“Smoke continues to move into southern Ontario. Forest fires in northwestern Ontario and a northwest wind bringing that smoke down… we are having some major issues in and around the region,” said CTV London Meteorologist Julie Atchison.

On Wednesday, night one of the Rock the Park outdoor musical festival ended early due to the smoky conditions.

As the smoke persists, Atchison is advising, “Avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially when we are into these air quality issues. Smoke and haze will be an issue through the day today.”

CTV News London

6:30 a.m. - Toronto’s air quality third worst in the world

Toronto’s air quality was ranked third worst in the world on Thursday, according to air quality data tracker IQAir. That marks only a slight improvement to the city’s air quality on Wednesday, which was ranked worst the world throughout much of the day.

-Codi Wilson, Web Journalist, CP24.com

6:20 a.m. - U.S. ambassador to Canada releases statement on wildfires

Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, released a statement Wednesday saying responding to wildfires demands a “shared response” from both countries.

He noted that smoke has reached the U.S., including over his home state of Michigan.

“I commend the outstanding cooperation between the United States and Canada as we confront these fires together. Our two governments are monitoring and sharing information in real time – coordination that reflects our partnership at its best," Hoekstra said in a statement.

“This challenge knows no borders. The United States will continue to coordinate closely with Canada, just as we have for more than four decades of shared wildfire emergencies.”

In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul urged residents to take precautions as an air quality health advisory is in effect.

Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also posted about the deteriorating air quality due to the wildfire smoke.

“Poor air quality affects everyone, but some people are more sensitive to it than others, including people with heart or lung conditions, older adults, pregnant New Yorkers, and infants and children,” the mayor posted on social media.

-Phil Tsekouras, Web Journalist, CTV News Toronto

6:15 a.m. - Limit time outdoors

Environment Canada is advising people to limit their time outdoors today as much as possible.

People exposed to the smoke may experience mild symptoms, including eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough, the national weather agency says.

“People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.”

-Codi Wilson, Web Journalist, CP24.com

6:10 a.m. - Ford posts video on Ontario’s wildfires

In a video posted on social media Wednesday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford addressed the ongoing wildfires in the province, pointing out that his government has 156 fire crews and nearly 150 water bombers and helicopters working to extinguish them.

“Our government will not spare a penny to keep people safe,” Ford said, proceeding to tout his government’s investment in forest firefighting, such as adding new personnel and adding new water bombers and helicopters.

He also acknowledged the help the province is getting from Alberta and Yukon. The premier also recognized those who are helping displaced residents.

“I’m encouraged by the compassion and the care we’ve seen from people across the province who are opening their communities to their fellow Ontarians who have been forced to evacuate as a result of these fires,” the premier said.

“I promise that our government will continue to do everything we can to protect people and communities across Ontario.”

The Ontario Liberal Party criticized the Ford government on Wednesday for underspending on emergency forest firefighting. The party said Ontario budgeted only $150 million this year, down from $271 million last year.

“A realistic base budget would allow the ministry to recruit and retain crews, maintain aircraft, secure equipment, and prepare evacuations before communities are threatened, rather than scrambling once fires are burning and families are being forced from their homes,” Ted Hsu, the Ontario Liberal critic for Rural Affairs, Natural Resources, Mining & Forestry, said in a statement.

“The North will come together, as it always does, but its resilience cannot excuse a government that failed to prepare. Protecting Ontario means protecting all of Ontario, with enough crews, equipment and funding in place before the next emergency.”

-Phil Tsekouras, Web Journalist, CTV News Toronto

6 a.m.- Outdoor pools closed

The city has closed all outdoor pools and wading pools today due to the wildfire smoke.

In a news release issued on Wednesday night, the city confirmed that outdoor recreation programs will be cancelled today and CampTo programming will move indoors. City-run child care centres will be open today but children will remain indoors.

-Codi Wilson, Web Journalist, CP24.com