Live updates as air quality worsens across Philadelphia region due to wildfire smoke

The hazy conditions are still impacting air travel.

Pilots flying into Philadelphia International Airport expressed concern about low visibility due to the thick wildfire smoke.

The FAA responded, saying it slowed traffic into the airport on Thursday.

More than 300 flights were delayed in and out of PHL Thursday and 12 were canceled.

The airport is reporting a dozen combined delays and cancellations already Friday.

The airport is reporting a dozen combined delays and cancellations already Friday.

Air quality in the Philadelphia region remains at dangerous levels Friday morning due to smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota.

As of 5:30 a.m., Philadelphia, Coatesville and Reading are in a Code Purple AQI, recording "very unhealthy" levels.

An AQI between 201 and 300 prompts a Code Purple, which means the risk of health effects is increased for everyone. Visibility is also reduced when AQI is this high, according to Meteorologist Karen Rogers.

Purple is the second highest air quality warning, just below a Code Maroon, which is when the AQI reaches above 301.

Early Friday morning, Philadelphia had the worst AQI in the region at 262.

"Our worsening air quality is a dangerous development," said Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Commissioner, Department of Public Health. "I strongly encourage all residents to take action to protect themselves by staying indoors, unless they need to be outdoors. If you do need to be outdoors, please wear a well-fitted N-95 or KN-95 mask. If you experience symptoms related to air quality, including trouble breathing, heart palpitations, nausea, or dizziness, seek immediate medical attention. Stay aware of the air quality in your neighborhood

Several surrounding areas are also in a Code Red, which is still unhealthy for everyone. Under a Code Red, some members of the general public may experience health effects, and members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.

If you do not need to be outside on Friday, please stay at home," Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said.

Officials say the Health Department is hopeful that this event will end by the weekend. However, this forecast could change.

READ MORE: Air Quality Index: What do the numbers mean?

Philadelphia officials are urging residents to stay indoors whenever possible on Friday after a Code Purple air quality alert was issued due to wildfire smoke lingering over the region.

"I'm encouraging all Philadelphians to take action to protect themselves during this air quality emergency," Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson said. "That means avoiding going outdoors unless it's necessary. Stay indoors unless you have to go out. If you don't need to go out, try to limit your time."

Philly officials holds new conference as wildfire smoke triggers Code Purple air quality alert for Friday

Officials said anyone who must be outside should limit their time outdoors and wear an N95 or KN95 mask.

Trash Collection Suspended

Because of the unhealthy air quality, Philadelphia is suspending trash and recycling collection on Friday.

"We will resume trash and recycling collections once the air quality improves," said Carlton Williams, the city's director of Clean and Green Initiatives. "We're asking our residents not to put out their trash and recycling for (Friday)."

Sanitation convenience centers will remain open.

Other City Services Affected

City pools and spray grounds will also be closed Friday because of the poor air quality.

Officials said they are continuing to monitor conditions around the clock and will announce any additional changes to city services on Friday if necessary.

A highly anticipated Harry Potter-themed drone show at Subaru Park was canceled at the last minute Thursday night, leaving hundreds of fans frustrated.

Organizers called off the event because of unsafe air quality from nearby wildfires.

Families traveled from across the region to see 1,200 drones recreate characters and scenes from the popular series. Doors opened at 7:15 p.m., but attendees received an email around 8 p.m. announcing that the 9:15 p.m. show would not go on as planned.

Families upset after Harry Potter drone show canceled last minute

"We're all Harry Potter fans. We love Harry Potter, so for this to happen, it's very disappointing," said Montanna Gallardo of Atco, N.J.

Jaylyn Cortes of Vineland said she felt upset.

"I feel bad for my family. I feel bad for me," she added.

Some attendees said they drove hours to reach Chester, only to turn around without seeing the show.

"I'm just frustrated because my wife wanted to go so bad," said Lance Wood of Enola. "I brought my three kids down here, drove over 2 hours. Now it's going to be two hours back. Turnpike fees, gas fees - all that stuff in addition to spending $410 to be here."

The event was organized by Fever and Nova Sky Stories.

Jeremy Sutherland, a senior project manager with Fever, said the team is working to accommodate affected customers.

"We're so, so sorry for guests who came out," Sutherland said. "We know it's a commitment of time and effort to come to the show. We hope they will join us again this weekend."

Many attendees said they cannot return on Friday or Sunday and felt organizers should have alerted guests earlier in the day.

"You should have handled it better," Cortes said.

Sutherland acknowledged issues with communication.

"We apologize for the sequence of how they were notified today and there was miscommunication along the way," he said. "We are reviewing what happened to make sure in the future guests are getting those notifications far in advance."