What is corn sweat? Moisture from crops can make Ohio feel hotter

Even though September is right around the corner, the summer heat is not done with us yet. And neither are the crops.

Ohio got hit by a late summer heat wave with temperatures not seen in a decade and heat index values in triple digits, according to a hazardous weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service.

Does it feel hotter than what the temperatures say? That's the heat index doing its thing. And guess what? The crops around can make it feel a lot hotter due to something called corn sweat. Here’s why.

What is corn sweat?

Has it been feeling muggy, lately? It’s partly because of the crops. Corn, soybeans, and other crops release moisture into the air as temperatures soar—this phenomenon is known as corn sweat, according to Scientific American .

Corn sweat is also scientifically known as evapotranspiration. Just as humans sweat due to hot temperatures, so do plants.

How does corn sweat make the air humid?

Due to the influx of moisture in the air from corn sweat, it raises dew points, according to another Scientific American article.

The dew point is the cool temperature to be met for the water vapor to start condensing out of the atmosphere. However, that temperature rises if a moisture-laden air mass moves into the area, in this case, humid air compounded by the corn sweat.

Sweat is something your body does to cool you off when it’s hot, right? But the more water vapor in the air, the hotter and stickier your skin will feel, and the harder it is for your body to cool off.

Once temperatures drop, the moisture in the air will condense. Dew points can help measure how hot it feels, and how your body can regulate its own temperature.

Know the signs of danger: Learn how to spot, prevent heat stroke, heat exhaustion during Ohio heat wave

Is elevated humidity safe for the human body?

The National Weather Service often issues heat risk advisories during a time like this, due to heat indices with elevated levels of humidity. The National Weather Service uses temperature, humidity and data on heat-related hospitalizations when heat risk warnings are issued.

With dew points unable to be met because of high moisture levels, it makes it harder for your body to cool down. Because you’re already sweating from the temperatures, the moisture in the air does not allow the sweat on your body to evaporate.

How to take precautions during heatwaves accompanied by corn sweat

If you’re in an area with high humidity for too long, your body might stop cooling itself down, and you may risk heat stroke or heat exhaustion if you don’t reach an area with cooler temperatures.

If you need to be outside while the air is sweltering, be sure to:

• Drink lots of water or sports drinks to keep your body hydrated
• Take frequent breaks in shaded areas
• Take breaks in air-conditioned spaces

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What is corn sweat? Moisture from crops can make Ohio feel hotter