NWS says monsoon season setting up

ALBUQUERQUE (AP) - Hot, fire weary New Mexicans may soon get a break.

National Weather Service meteorologist Ed Polasko says last weekend's scattered storms marked the beginning of monsoon season. And while the state is still in the transition from dry to wet, he says the monsoon pattern is starting to set up and more moisture is on the way later this week.

Monsoon season usually runs from mid-July to September in New Mexico. That's when Polasko says the state gets about 30 percent to 40 percent of its annual rain fall as the winds start coming up from the south instead of the from the west.

Although the state is currently suffering from a historical drought, Polasko says he remains hopeful the monsoons will move in on schedule and provide some relief.