Is corn sweat real? It’s making you feel like a wet sponge

Here’s why the Midwest feels like a tropical steam room every July

Meet Corny: the sweaty stalk.

Ah, summer in the Midwest. The sky is blue, the fields are green, and suddenly you are sweating like you just ran a marathon even if you are just standing still. Ever wonder why it feels so ridiculously humid in July when the corn is tall and the cicadas are singing? Two words: corn sweat.

Yes, you read that right. Corn... sweat. 🌽💦

Can corn really sweat?

Sort of. Just like humans cool off by sweating, plants release moisture too, but they do it through their leaves. The fancy science term is transpiration. Each stalk of corn pulls water from the soil and releases it into the air as water vapor. That is Mother Nature’s version of a humidifier, except instead of soothing your dry winter skin, it turns your summer into a sticky mess.

And corn is really good at it. A single acre of corn can release up to 4,000 gallons of water a day into the atmosphere when it is at peak growth. That is like dumping a small backyard swimming pool into the air every single day just so you can feel like you are breathing through a wet blanket.

Why does this matter for the weather?

All that extra moisture from corn fields pumps humidity levels way up. When forecasters talk about dew point, that magic number that tells you how muggy it feels, corn sweat is often the secret culprit pushing those numbers higher.

Think about it: More moisture in the air means:

• Stickier heat indexes (what it feels like)

• Less cooling for your body (sweat does not evaporate as fast)

• Big-time storm fuel (moisture is rocket fuel for thunderstorms)

So, if you are wondering why it feels like Florida in Illinois during July, just look at those endless green rows. The cornfield is out there steaming you like broccoli.

Does corn sweat affect the forecast?

Absolutely. Meteorologists factor it into summer heat index forecasts across the Corn Belt. If you have ever seen a forecast where the high is 92° but the “feels like” temperature is 110°, thank your local cornfield for adding to the free sauna experience.

The nerdy takeaway

Corn sweat does not make summer hotter, it makes it muggier. When you combine high temperatures with that added humidity, your body’s natural cooling system struggles. So stay hydrated, slow down, and maybe give a little side-eye to those lush green acres next time you drive by.

Because now you know, that sweet corn is not just for your grill. It is also turning the Midwest into the tropics, one sweaty stalk at a time.

Corn Sweat Sauna Club T-Shirt | Funny Midwest Summer Humidity Shirt

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