Gusty winds and a warm weekend forecast for Southern California

Gusty winds and sunny skies.

That's what's in store for Southern California starting Thursday evening as a weak storm system leaves the region and temperatures warm up in time for the post-Thanksgiving weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for mountain areas starting at 10 p.m. Thursday, with sustained 15- to 35-mph winds and gusts up to 50 mph that will build in intensity through 2 p.m. Friday.

Drivers were urged to use caution in the north winds, which will be especially strong along the 5 Freeway and California 14.

By the time they die down, forecasters are predicting warmer, drier weather, with temperatures in downtown Los Angeles in the high 60s on Friday, warming to a high of 80 by the weekend.

The balmy weather should stick around through Tuesday.

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-- Tony Barboza

Photo: The weather wasn't an issue for Rick Garcia as he prepared a Thanksgiving turkey for family and friends in Huntington Beach on Thursday. Credit: Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times