Corn 'Sweat' Contributes to Humidity in Wisconsin Summers
Corn 'Sweat' Contributes to Humidity in Wisconsin Summers
US · Published Aug 2, 2026
In Wisconsin, the phenomenon of 'corn sweat,' scientifically known as evapotranspiration, plays a significant role in the region's summer weather.
Corn plants release moisture into the atmosphere through microscopic pores called stomata, a process that occurs as water absorbed by the roots travels up the stalk and evaporates from the leaves.

Impact & Risks

The release of moisture from cornfields intensifies the already humid conditions in Wisconsin and other parts of the Midwest during the summer. This can lead to discomfort for residents and exacerbate heat-related health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. However, experts emphasize that corn sweat is just one of several factors contributing to regional humidity, with broader atmospheric patterns also playing a role. The cumulative effect of evapotranspiration from millions of acres of crops can create localized microclimates, potentially influencing weather patterns and increasing the perceived heat index.

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