Northwest Georgia  Residents can expect continued dry conditions and above-average temperatures through Friday as an upper-level ridge dominates the region’s weather pattern. The National Weather Service forecasts mostly sunny skies today, with a high near 86 degrees and a southwest wind of 5 to 10 mph, potentially gusting up to 20 mph. The influence of the upper-level ridge will create a warm layer in the atmosphere, suppressing the development of thunderstorms. As a result, no thunderstorms are expected for Northwest Georgia today or tomorrow. Tonight, expect mostly cloudy skies with a low around 68 degrees. The southwest wind will diminish to around 5 mph, becoming calm in the evening. Gusts could still reach 15 mph. Friday will bring more of the same, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 87 degrees. Southwest winds will persist at 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 15 mph. However, a change is on the horizon. Friday night brings a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 a.m. Skies will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 68 degrees and continued southwest winds around 5 mph, gusting to 15 mph. The chance of showers and thunderstorms continues into the weekend, with a 50 percent chance on Saturday and a 40 percent chance on Sunday. Temperatures will remain relatively mild, with highs in the mid-80s.