New Mexico’s monsoon season could make a difference this year on the spiraling, near-record heat.

Last year, according to the National Weather Service, monsoon season hit hard and fast in July. The season typically kicks in June 15 and runs through Sept. 30.

A similar trend is expected this year, said Alyssa Clements, meteorologist with the Albuquerque office of the NWS.

“Last year got off to a fast start,” she said. “July was a busy month. It slowed down after that, so we expect a fast start to this year’s monsoon season and then a slowdown through August and September.”

Weather models show that a moisture plume will get started in the next two weeks, she added, with Arizona and Western New Mexico to get the first taste as the season rolls in.

“Usually, once the summer season and monsoon season starts, you will see the moisture creep up in the state and we will have daily thunderstorms,” Clements said. “It will make it cooler, not cool by any means, but cooler.”

Next week might see some cooling midweek, she said.