Edmonton is forecast to reach afternoon highs near 20 C early next week as an upper ridge moves over Alberta through the weekend. The city is expected to stay dry through late next week, while skies turn mostly clear early in the week.

Thursday is expected to bring some cloud as the region remains on the ridge’s leading edge, with a high near 15 C and northwest winds of 15 to 20 km/h in the afternoon. The forecast calls for clearing overnight, with a temperature of 9 C at 9 p.m. Showers and mixed precipitation are affecting the foothills and mountain parks, while parts of southern Alberta may see showers Thursday. That precipitation is expected to miss the Edmonton region.

Saturday will have similar daytime temperatures to Thursday. Edmonton is forecast to start near the freezing mark, with a morning low of 1 C, then reach 16 C in the afternoon. The day should be sunny in the morning and partly cloudy later. Sunday is expected to be mainly sunny, with a low of 3 C and a high of 19 C as the ridge begins to have a stronger influence.

Monday’s forecast is partly cloudy, with a low of 5 C and high of 20 C. Tuesday should be mainly sunny, with a low of 6 C and high of 20 C, while Wednesday is expected to be partly cloudy, with a low of 4 C and high of 19 C. More generally, morning lows are expected to rise to about 5 C from Monday through Wednesday, and each of those afternoons could reach 20 C.

The ridge is expected to move away late next week, with early indications of rain Thursday night or Friday. The forecast says that pattern remains several days away and could still develop, although weather models have been consistent over the past day or two. A cooldown is expected to close next week, with highs of 10 C to 14 C Friday and Saturday. Sunday and Monday of the long weekend are forecast to have afternoon highs in the low to mid-teens.

Based on reporting by CTV News Edmonton.