The ‘Corn Sweats’ Are to Blame for Michigan’s Late Summer Heat and Humidity

Michigan's late August of 2024 weather is marked by a week of extreme heat and humidity. The weather is not untypical for summer, but a touch extreme. Climate scientists blame a phenomenon known as the corn sweat that has exacerbated the weather situation in the Midwest.

August 26-27 brought the hottest weather of the season with air temperatures in the mid to upper 90s and feel like temperatures into the 100s and 110s range across the region.

Scientific American shared that the super high humidity can be associated with the 'corn sweats' a phenomenon that equates the effect of industrial farming on weather.

The corn sweats occur

when corn, soybeans and other crops release moisture as the temperature climbs. This process, known technically as evapotranspiration, is akin to how humans perspire in the heat.

READ MORE: This is Every Annoying Quirk about Michigan Weather

Though the phenomenon arises mainly in the fields of Iowa, Illinois and Indiana, Michigan's weather can be affected as the lower pressure weather systems that would bring storms and break the heat are blocked by the increased moisture and pressure in the air.

While there were many heat warnings and advisories across Michigan during this weather pattern, the most stern warnings are for the southwestern most counties in the state. Berrien and Cass counties, as well as several counties in north-central Indiana were under an Extreme Heat Warning with heat index values forecast to be greater than 105 degrees.

The weather pattern moderates over the Labor Day holiday weekend will real relief expected on Labor Day Monday with highs in the lower 70s.