The heatwave that has hit the central U.S. this week may feel worse than it did at the start of summer, and part of that has to do with corn. It may seem counterintuitive, but the common crop can actually influence the weather.
“Corn produces moisture, so to speak, that evaporates from the plant at an average rate of about 4,000 gallons per acre [per day],” farmer Mark Baker told AccuWeather. This extra moisture increases humidity levels, which in turn increases AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures, making already hot days even more unbearable.
This phenomenon is called “corn sweat,” and it is much more pronounced in corn than in other plant species. By comparison, a large oak tree releases about 100 gallons of water into the atmosphere each day, which is 40 times less than an acre of corn.
“On a normal day, the humidity levels in corn fields are much higher,” Baker added. “You walk out of a corn field and you think, 'This air is so refreshing!'”
Temperatures above 100 degrees are expected Wednesday afternoon in parts of the Corn Belt, including Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Missouri, according to AccuWeather RealFeel®.
The corn sweat effect will continue to increase heat and humidity until the crop is harvested in early fall.
Sourse: www.upi.com
