MANATEE -- In the wake of a cold front, the first day of winter in Bradenton on Friday will be cooler and windier, according to the National Weather Service.

Friday will be sunny, with a high near 63 and north-northwesterly winds of 20 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. As result of the winds and expected low humidity, the Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for from noon to 6 p.m., suggesting there is a risk that any fires could rapidly spread.

Friday night will be mostly clear, with a low around and northerly winds of 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph, according to the Weather Service.

For the weekend, the Weather Service is calling for sunny skies and highs in the low to mid 60s and lows of 45 to 50.