A heatwave in the Midwest was intensified by a natural process known as “corn sweat,” where water evaporating from cornstalks increases humidity levels in the air. The heat dome led to record-setting temperatures across the region, with Illinois and Iowa experiencing triple digit heat index values. Schools canceled classes and advisories were issued due to the dangerous conditions. The heatwave also set and tied numerous temperature records across the Midwest. In addition to corn fields, moisture from the Gulf of Mexico contributed to the muggy conditions. An acre of corn can release thousands of gallons of water into the atmosphere each day during the growing season, significantly increasing humidity levels. Soybean crops also contribute to the region’s summer humidity. A cold front from Canada brought relief from the scorching temperatures in the upper Plains and Midwest, but heat advisories remained in place in other parts of the U.S. including the Carolinas and parts of the central and southern states. Overall, the heatwave and “corn sweat” phenomenon highlighted the impact of agriculture on weather conditions in the region.
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