"June is a bad time for a heat wave for corn across the southern United States," says Brad Rippey, a USDA meteorologist. Hotter temperatures during pollination can lead to shorter ears and fewer kernels, impacting overall yield.
The Midwest, where corn hasn't reached the reproductive stage yet, is expected to fare better. However, weather forecasts predict a hotter-than-usual summer across the US, and a potential shift from El Niño to La Niña could further elevate temperatures in the Midwest.
Studies suggest La Niña is linked to hotter summers in this region, raising concerns for future crop development.