Recent Midwest heat waves have sparked discussions about “corn sweat,” the moisture released by corn as it grows, contributing to humidity. However, experts suggest that this is not the primary cause of the region’s muggy conditions.
While corn does release moisture, it’s not the dominant factor in the recent humid weather. According to Melissa Widhalm, associate director at Purdue University’s Midwestern Regional Climate Center, corn typically reaches its peak moisture release earlier in the growing season. By late summer, much of the corn has matured and releases less moisture.
Zack Leasor, Missouri’s State Climatologist, points to weather systems and warmer air masses from the Gulf of Mexico as major contributors to humidity. Climate change is also increasing overall humidity in the Midwest, as warmer air holds more moisture. This trend is linked to rising temperatures and changes in regional weather patterns.
The impact of increased humidity can be significant, affecting human health and plant diseases. Scientists note that as temperatures rise, the air’s capacity to hold moisture grows, exacerbating humidity issues. Further research is needed to understand how climate change will affect plant moisture and overall humidity in the future.
