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Corn Sweat Intensifies Midwest Heatwave

Evapotranspiration from vast cornfields is increasing humidity, making already high temperatures feel even hotter.

  • Corn sweat, or evapotranspiration, releases significant water vapor, raising local humidity levels.
  • Midwestern states like Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin are experiencing heat indices up to 115°F due to this phenomenon.
  • Cornfields can release 3,000 to 4,000 gallons of water per acre daily, exacerbating heatwave conditions.
  • High humidity from corn sweat adds 5-10 degrees to the dew point, making it harder for the body to cool down.
  • Extreme heat is a leading cause of weather-related deaths in the US, with over 1,200 fatalities annually.
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