How Strange ‘Corn Sweat’ Could Affect Weather in the Hudson Valley

It's time to add a new term into your vocabulary: corn sweat.

The past week in the Hudson Valley has seen nearly every type of weather possible for the late summer season. Scorching days, rainy nights, and nearly-intolerable humidity have all made recent appearances, and it turns out that corn could actually be partially to blame.

Corn Production in New York State

The Hudson Valley is famous for its farmland, and while many New Yorkers are currently getting ready for the legendary apple picking season, there are also more than a million acres of corn... and it can contribute to an interesting weather phenomenon.

What Is Corn Sweat?

Recently, Midwest states like Illinois made headlines for skyrocketing humidity levels that many experts say were partially caused by corn. "Corn sweat", as a meteorologist explains below, happens when corn with high water content releases its moisture into the air in high temperatures, creating some truly muggy conditions.

Corn Sweat in New York State

While New York's 1 million acres of corn production pales in comparison to the staggering 12 million acres in Illinois (not to mention their equally productive neighboring states), Hudson Valley residents living on or near large farms with high-moisture corn may have a similar experience.

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As summer fades to fall, it's not only time for the professional harvest season, but for all the recreational activities that come with it. Check out some of New York's best corn mazes to explore below.