Could Sweaty Corn Be Raising Ohio and Midwest Temps? The Hidden Impact of Crop Moisture

CLEVELAND, OH - The Midwest is grappling with an unprecedented surge in humidity, exacerbated by the phenomenon known as "corn sweat," as millions across the region face extreme heat warnings. This natural process, scientifically termed evapotranspiration, occurs when crops such as corn absorb water from the soil, using it to regulate their temperature before releasing moisture into the atmosphere. The outcome is a palpable increase in humidity, intensifying the already stifling summer heat.

Chris Clark, an agronomist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explained the impact of this process, noting that an acre of corn can release between 3,000 to 4,000 gallons of water into the air daily. "It's the plants reacting to that warmer weather," Clark said. "They need more moisture, so they’re uptaking more from stored-underground water and bringing that up to the atmosphere that we’re in." This rise in humidity is not just a localized issue but contributes significantly to the overall atmospheric moisture in regions like the Midwest, where corn cultivation is prevalent.

In the United States, the Corn Belt, particularly in states such as Ohio, Iowa and Illinois, is responsible for a substantial portion of the nation's corn production. These areas, currently under extreme heat alerts, are feeling the effects of corn sweat most acutely. The U.S. Department of Agriculture notes that these states alone produce about a third of the country's corn. As climate change drives temperatures higher and extends growing seasons, the increase in crop evapotranspiration is becoming more pronounced.

David Phillips, a senior climatologist with Environment Canada, highlighted that the combination of higher temperatures and increased humidity due to corn sweat is creating a feedback loop that leads to more intense weather conditions. "The closer the air temperature and dew point are, the more humid it is," Phillips said. This additional moisture in the air can also fuel more extreme weather events, including severe thunderstorms and flooding, further compounding the challenges faced by those living in the Midwest.

The climate crisis, driven largely by fossil fuel emissions, deforestation, and methane release, is accelerating these changes. According to the World Health Organization, heatwaves are becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged, leading to a spike in heat-related deaths. In the U.S., heat is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting approximately 1,220 deaths annually due to extreme heat.

As the Midwest endures these oppressive conditions, the long-term implications of increasing corn cultivation and its contribution to atmospheric moisture remain a critical concern. With forecasts predicting more heatwaves in the coming weeks, the role of agriculture in climate dynamics is likely to gain further scrutiny as communities seek to adapt to the changing environment.

Additional news coverage on this, from other local networks, can be found at the following sources:

1. CTV News, "More humid than usual? It might be the corn," published on August 28, 2024. Available online.

2. Cleveland.com, "Corn sweat could be making the Midwest more humid," published on August 28, 2024. Available online.

3. The Guardian, "Corn moisture amplifies humidity and heat in US Midwest," published on August 27, 2024. Available online.

   
   

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