Iowa Heat Wave Intensified by 'Corn Sweat' Phenomenon

Extreme Heat in the US

• 🇺🇸 A massive heat wave is impacting the central and eastern United States, with over 125 million Americans under extreme heat alerts.
• 🚴 This is particularly challenging for Iowa, which is hosting RAGBRAI, the world's largest bicycle ride, with tens of thousands of participants cycling up to 100 miles daily.

Understanding 'Corn Sweat'

• 🌽 The term "corn sweat" refers to the process of evapotranspiration from corn plants, a colloquial phrase for "corn breath."
• 💧 Corn releases water vapor through pores on its leaves, contributing significantly to humidity.
• 🌿 Currently, it's peak "corn sweat" season as the corn is in its "teenage phase," tasseling and pollinating, making it "extra sweaty."

Impact of Corn Evapotranspiration

• 📊 One acre of corn can release 4,000 gallons of moisture into the air daily.
• 💧 With 13 million acres of corn in Iowa, this amounts to approximately 52 billion gallons of moisture, significantly affecting the local weather and intensifying the heat and humidity.
• ⚡ While thunderstorms can offer temporary relief, the underlying heat dome is expected to persist, with temperatures ramping back up next week.