A phenomenon called "corn sweat" could exacerbate the impacts of the extreme heat blanketing a large portion of the U.S., according to experts.

"Corn sweat" refers to the process known as evapotranspiration. Corn plants, like other plants, absorb water through their roots to be used for growth and photosynthesis. Any excess moisture is then released as vapor via tiny pores in their leaves called stomata into the atmosphere, according to crop intelligence firm Taranis.

Dangerous temperatures will persist across parts of the U.S. through July, and in some areas, there's an unexpected contributor.

And although most of the country’s corn is farmed in the Midwest and Plains region, the effects of corn sweat can be felt far and wide, even here in New England. During peak summer heating, huge amounts of additional water vapor are released into the atmosphere, sending temperatures soaring around the country, worsening already hot conditions.

The process is known as evapotranspiration, which is how plants, including corn, release water vapor into the atmosphere.