Even though summer is officially over, some parts of the U.S. are still dealing with extreme heat. Last week, the Midwest experienced record-breaking temperatures, and a surprising culprit may have contributed to the sweltering conditions: corn.
A natural process known as “corn sweat” is being blamed for making the already hot temperatures feel even worse. While it’s not an official scientific term, it’s a phenomenon that scientists understand well. Here’s what you need to know about corn sweat and how to protect yourself if it happens near you.
What Exactly Is Corn Sweat?
Corn sweat refers to a process called evapotranspiration (ET), where plants, including corn, release water into the atmosphere. This water then evaporates, adding moisture to the air and creating hot, muggy conditions. Though corn doesn’t actually “sweat” like humans do, it does release large amounts of moisture into the atmosphere.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), corn can pump out thousands of gallons of water per acre in just a few days. A 2020 study even found that this process could increase air moisture by up to 40%, making the air feel much more humid.
“When a heat ridge is centered over the Corn Belt, the corn can emit even higher levels of humidity and raise dew points,” explains Michael Musher, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service. Additionally, moisture evaporates from the soil, intensifying the humid environment.
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Why Corn Is Often The Focus?
There are over 127 million acres of agricultural land in the Midwest, with 75% of that land dedicated to corn and soybean crops, according to the USDA. Although many plants contribute to evapotranspiration, corn is the primary crop linked to this phenomenon due to its vast acreage and high moisture output.
Meteorologists often reference corn sweat during extreme weather events. For example, Chris Vickers, a meteorologist in Toledo, Ohio, humorously illustrated this concept in late August by showing a graphic of corn over areas experiencing particularly high heat and humidity.
How Does Corn Sweat Affect People?
The primary concern with corn sweat is its impact on the heat index, or the temperature as it “feels” when humidity is factored in. Musher explains that corn sweat can make the heat index feel oppressive, raising the apparent temperature to dangerous levels.
If you live near cornfields or other large agricultural areas, you may notice the air feels significantly hotter and stickier than in non-agricultural areas. This can make it more likely to get sick from the heat, like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Dr.Lewis Nelson, who leads the emergency medicine department at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, says it’s important to keep an eye on the heat index.
Heat exhaustion symptoms can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Heavy sweating
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Headache
If these symptoms are ignored, heat exhaustion can escalate to heat stroke, a medical emergency.
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How To Stay Safe During Corn Sweat Conditions?
If you live near cornfields or find yourself in the middle of a heatwave, it’s crucial to take precautions. Here are a few tips:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re outdoors.
- Limit Outdoor Activity: Try to avoid being outside during peak heat hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Pay Attention to Your Body: If you start feeling symptoms of heat exhaustion, immediately seek a cool place to rest, drink water, and avoid further exertion.
Though the recent Midwest heat wave has subsided, corn sweat is a phenomenon to watch out for in the future, especially during hot summer months. Stay informed about local heat indexes, and take the Important steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from the intense effects of this unusual weather phenomenon.
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