Corn sweat drives humidity and worsens Illinois heat waves

The state of Illinois is currently experiencing extreme heat, exacerbated by a phenomenon known as corn sweat. As the leading corn producer in the United States, Illinois has approximately 11 million acres of corn fields that contribute significantly to local humidity levels during the growing season. Crop plants, particularly corn, engage in a natural process called transpiration, where they release water from their leaves into the atmosphere. In fact, this release can result in increased dew points by 5 to 10 degrees, contributing to the discomfort experienced during heat waves. Agricultural educator Joshua Berg explains that while transpiration is vital for a plant’s water uptake, it is not akin to human sweating, which serves to cool down the body. Other crops such as alfalfa and sugarcane can exhibit higher transpiration averages, but corn's vast acreage during its peak growing season results in a significant amount of moisture being released into the air. With projections indicating that dew points will escalate, local meteorologists like Kylee Miller emphasize that the phenomenon will likely continue impacting weather conditions and humidity through the week. When the summer's heat wave emerges, the effects of corn sweat can alter local weather patterns. One acre of corn can release a surprising volume of 3,000 to 4,000 gallons of water per day, highlighting the cumulative effect of Illinois's overall corn production. This irrigation-like effect serves to amplify the challenges posed by heat, raising the potential for further rainfall as humidity increases. As Illinois continues to endure this heat wave, understanding the connection between corn production and local climate conditions becomes increasingly vital. The phenomenon of corn sweat illustrates the broader implications agriculture has on weather, with transpiration contributing to the challenges the local population faces amid extreme temperatures. It emphasizes that the impact of agricultural activities goes well beyond food production and underscores the need for continuous monitoring of climatic changes linked to farming practices.