Warm temperatures return to California after cool spring bringing wildfire risk

Weather probably milder than previous summers but wet winter spurred growth in grasses and vegetation that is ready to burn'

It's been a slow start to the summer in California, where an extremely wet winter and unseasonably cool spring have left the landscapes lush. But a timely spike in temperatures is forecast for the holiday weekend, providing both ideal weather for revelry and the return of high risks.

State officials have issued strong warnings to residents and visitors alike: California has been spared a ferocious fire so far this year - but the dangers still loom large.