Corn Sweat, I forgot about this

[IrishEyes]

The heat wave baking the central United States this week may feel worse than those earlier in the summer, and corn is partly to blame. The claim may sound unusual, but this common crop can actually change the weather.

"Corn actually produces humidity, if you will, or moisture that wicks off the plant on average about 4,000 gallons per acre [per day]," Farmer Mark Baker told AccuWeather. That added moisture increases the humidity, which in turn raises the AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures, making already-hot days feel even more intense.

The phenomenon is called "corn sweat," and it's far more pronounced with corn than other plants. For comparison, a large oak tree releases around 100 gallons of water into the atmosphere each day, 40 times less than an acre of corn.

An ear of corn growing in a field. (UrosPoteko/Getty Images)
"On a normal day, I mean, the humidity in the cornfield is substantially worse," Baker added. "You step out of the corn and you go, 'Wow, that's a breath of fresh air.'"

On Wednesday afternoon, AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures are expected to climb above 100 degrees in parts of the Corn Belt, including Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Missouri.

 

[Michael Z]

When they douse the fields of “Roundup Ready” corn with weed killer, they need to add some Ban Roll-on to the mix!

 

[Tom52]

"The phenomenon is called "corn sweat," and it's far more pronounced with corn than other plants. For comparison, a large oak tree releases around 100 gallons of water into the atmosphere each day, 40 times less than an acre of corn.

But an oak tree doesn't require a full acre. I would think an acre covered with oak trees would put out just about as much moisture as an acre of corn. An acre of corn compared to one oak tree is not a very good analogy.

 

[Della]

That explains why my hair has been frizzy ever since I moved to Ohio.

 

[Disgustedman]

I really hated living in Iowa during corn crop season. Each of the farmers would be driving around looking at the others crop.

Problem with that is they'd slow or stop in the damn highway while looking!! This resulted in a farmer getting killed in an accident, or causing accidents from impeding traffic.

There's be daily PSA's about "Pull over to look" but not stop on roadway. Many didn't pay attention.

 

[jujube]

I remember I'd sure sweat when my parents would make me work in our small cornfield. Maybe I contributed to global weather change?

 

[RadishRose]

How badly does the corn suffer?
Do the kernels get dry and/or tough?

 

[Tom52]

I really hated living in Iowa during corn crop season. Each of the farmers would be driving around looking at the others crop.

Problem with that is they'd slow or stop in the damn highway while looking!! This resulted in a farmer getting killed in an accident, or causing accidents from impeding traffic.

There's be daily PSA's about "Pull over to look" but not stop on roadway. Many didn't pay attention.

I was born and raised in Iowa but not on a farm. I didn't like all the big pieces of farm equipment creeping down the 2 lane roads at 10 mph during planting and harvesting season. They were often so wide you couldn't pass them.

When I was a kid I baled hay and de tasseled corn in the summer. Those were both hard/hot work.

 

[IrishEyes]

How badly does the corn suffer?
Do the kernels get dry and/or tough?

I do believe it would make a big difference if the heat lasts too long. Corn meant to be sold at a higher price for human consumption I would think would dry out and become animal feed or corn meal type ears which is not as profitable I am sure. That is just my reasoning about cause and effect that may happen, make sense?

 

[JustDave]

Fun facts here. 400 thousand gal per acre per day. That sure sounds like a lot.

 

[RadishRose]

make sense?

Yep!

 

[Della]

I really hated living in Iowa during corn crop season. Each of the farmers would be driving around looking at the others crop.

Problem with that is they'd slow or stop in the damn highway while looking!! This resulted in a farmer getting killed in an accident, or causing accidents from impeding traffic.

There's be daily PSA's about "Pull over to look" but not stop on roadway. Many didn't pay attention.

Yes. Our first house here was out in the country off a one lane road. We pictured taking walks and jogging down the shady lane, with the cornfields on either side, but then this would come along and we'd be children of the corn.

 

[JustDave]

Yikes! They allow that thing on a highway like that??

 

[Ted01]

Yikes! They allow that thing on a highway like that??

Seems like corporate "farmers" get special treatment and considerations.

 

[Tom52]

Yikes! They allow that thing on a highway like that??

No, they do not allow that, probably photoshopped.