Storm clouds build above a corn field near Platte City, Mo., Aug. 27, 2024. Farmers are also planting more acres of corn, in part to meet demand for ethanol, according to the USDA's Economic Research Service. It all means more plants working harder to stay cool — pumping out humidity that adds to steamy misery like that blanketing much of the U.S. this week. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)