Residents of the Midwest have long been familiar with the phenomenon known as 'corn sweat,' where late-summer humidity spikes due to corn plants cooling themselves. This increase in humidity is becoming more pronounced due to climate change and the expansion of industrial agriculture.
Warmer temperatures and nights, along with increased moisture in the atmosphere, are all contributing factors. The changing climate has allowed for the planting of corn further north and an overall increase in corn production in the United States.
Farmers are planting more corn acres to meet the demand for ethanol, with over 40% of U.S. corn being used for biofuels. This increased corn production means more plants are releasing humidity into the air, adding to the already steamy conditions experienced in the region.
The Midwest, in particular, is heavily impacted by corn sweat due to the large amount of corn grown there. The synchronized evapotranspiration process of corn plants in July leads to a noticeable surge in humidity during the late summer months.
Experts emphasize the need for further study to fully understand how climate change will affect corn sweat. Factors such as rainfall, crop variety, and agricultural practices all play a role in this complex process.
As temperatures rise, plants are losing more water through transpiration, further contributing to the humidity levels in the region. The consumption of ethanol derived from corn also adds to planet-warming emissions, exacerbating the effects of climate change.
It is evident that the combination of climate change and increased corn production is leading to stickier summers in the Midwest. Understanding and addressing these factors will be crucial in adapting to the changing climate and mitigating its impact on the environment.
