News Summary
Lexington is currently enduring a heat wave with temperatures reaching up to 95 degrees, compounded by high humidity from corn crops releasing moisture, a phenomenon known as ‘corn sweat.’ This weather pattern, influenced by recent rainfalls, poses health risks as the National Weather Service warns residents to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. The heat is expected to continue into early next week, with minimal chances for relief. Similar conditions are affecting nearby Paducah, raising concerns about record-breaking humidity levels.
Lexington is currently experiencing above-normal temperatures coupled with high humidity, making the weather feel particularly oppressive. As temperatures soar to between 93 and 95 degrees, heightened humidity levels are largely attributed to moisture released by nearby corn crops, a phenomenon commonly referred to as corn sweat.
The term “corn sweat” describes the moisture that corn plants exude through a process known as evapotranspiration. During the summer months, especially in July, which is peak corn season, these crops significantly contribute to humidity levels in rural areas. For every acre of corn, approximately 3,000 to 4,000 gallons of water can be released into the atmosphere daily. This moisture influx can make temperatures feel even hotter than they actually are, as the high humidity prevents sweat from evaporating, complicating the body’s natural cooling process.
According to meteorological data, recent rainfalls in the Lexington area have also contributed to the current humidity levels. While rural residents may be directly affected by corn sweat, urban and suburban residents further away from agricultural fields might not sense its impact as much. Importantly, the National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting a continuation of the hot and humid weather conditions at least through early next week, giving rise to concerns about heat-related health issues.
As part of a broader regional trend, Paducah, another city in the vicinity, is also experiencing an extended period of high humidity. It is noted that Paducah is on track to potentially break records for consecutive days where dew point temperatures reach 70 degrees or higher. Some days have reported dew points in the range of 75 to 80 degrees, contributing further to a sense of discomfort.
For Lexington, forecasts show no immediate break in the heat wave, with high temperatures significantly above the normal July average of around 87 degrees. Residents can expect negligible chances of relief from showers and storms over the next few days, with only isolated storm activity predicted for the coming weekend.
To cope with the ongoing heatwave, the NWS has recommended several safety measures aimed at safeguarding public health. These include:
- Staying hydrated by drinking water and electrolytes while avoiding alcohol.
- Reapplying sunscreen, with an SPF of 30 or higher, every two hours.
- Wearing lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
- Taking frequent breaks in the shade.
- Postponing strenuous outdoor activities until cooler times.
- Minimizing direct sun exposure.
- Spending time in air-conditioned spaces where possible.
- Checking on neighbors who may be susceptible to heat-related health risks.
The interplay of high temperatures, humidity from corn sweat, and recent precipitation creates a challenging weather environment for residents of Lexington and the surrounding areas. Experts will continue to monitor the conditions as drier air is tentatively predicted to move into the region in early August, potentially offering some relief from the heat and humidity.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Current Weather Conditions
- Wikipedia: Evapotranspiration
- Fox 56 News: Corn Sweat and Kentucky Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Humidity
- Kentucky.com: Heat Wave Impact
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
