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.