Extreme Heat Dome Affects Millions in US, Impacts Food Supply

Extreme Heat Dome Grips the Midwest

• ⚠️ Over 100 million people across the Midwest and South are under an intense heat dome, with some areas feeling as hot as 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
• 🥵 The oppressive heat is characterized by high humidity, making it feel like walking into a wall of heat.

"Corn Sweat" and Supercharged Humidity

• 🌽 Farmers are directly exposed to the extreme conditions, noting that sweat won't evaporate due to high humidity.
• 💧 Iowa State Climatologist Justin Glisten explains the phenomenon of "corn sweat," where corn crops release significant amounts of water vapor through their leaves.
• 📈 A single acre of corn can add 4,000 gallons of moisture to the air daily, and with 13 million acres in Iowa alone, this significantly contributes to humidity levels.

Impact on Weather and Feels-Like Temperature

• ⚡ This "corn sweat" process can lead to sudden thunderstorms or showers.
• 🌡️ It also adds up to 10 degrees to the perceived temperature, exacerbating the effects of the heat dome.
• 🌾 The supercharged humidity from crops is affecting the weather and contributing to the oppressive temperatures.