During a severe drought in the United States, a government agency reported on Wednesday that a heat record from July was broken, surpassing the record set during the Dust Bowl summer of 1936. Midwest farmers, who suffered crop damage in July, were relieved by forecasts of rain over the next 10 days, which could help stabilize grain prices and alleviate concerns about global food inflation. July was confirmed as the hottest month in the continental United States on record, surpassing the previous record set in July 1936, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The period from January to July was also the warmest since record-keeping began in 1895, and marked the warmest 12-month period, breaking the previous record set just a month earlier. This was the fourth consecutive month that U.S. temperatures broke the record for the hottest 12-month period, according to NOAA. Experts predict that the current drought, the most severe since 1956, will result in the smallest corn harvest in six years. This has led to high prices and limited supplies. Despite large plantings, this would mark the third consecutive year of decreasing corn production. In July, drought and heat exacerbated each other, causing a vicious cycle of dry conditions and high temperatures. Although some rain and cooler temperatures are expected in the drought-affected US Midwest, it may come too late to significantly improve the already damaged corn crop. Jason Nicholls, a meteorologist for AccuWeather, stated that the current weather outlook is an improvement from previous conditions, but he is still cautious about calling it a drought-buster. He mentioned that there is a possibility of 0.25 inch to 0.75 inch of rain, with some areas experiencing heavier amounts, in about 75 percent of the Midwest from Wednesday to Friday morning, with a similar weather pattern expected next week. Nicholls also noted that while there may be slightly less rain in southeast Iowa, there is an anticipated increase in rainfall in Missouri. According to meteorologist Drew Lerner from World Weather Inc., there will be some more rain in the northwest this weekend. Temperatures in the Midwest are expected to be in the 80s Fahrenheit for the next few days, which is a relief as the previous high temperatures in the 90s and low 100s were damaging corn and soybean production. The crops are essential for livestock feed, so high grain prices will lead to increased consumer prices for products like milk, cheese, beef, fish, and poultry. Producers are already reducing the size of their herds to cut costs and avoid significant losses. Corn and soybeans are also used in a wide range of products, including biofuels, starch, edible oils, and lubricants. US corn prices have increased by over 50% in the past two months and reached a record high on July 20th. Soybeans, which were planted later than corn, also rose by more than 20% during the same period and hit a record high on the same day. However, harvest-time delivery prices have decreased by around 7% due to light rains in parts of the Midwest over the last two weeks. Analysts believe that these rains could benefit the crops as they are currently in the pod-filling stage. Unfortunately, the rains came too late for the corn crop, which has already passed its crucial pollination phase. Despite an initial dip in grain prices at the Chicago Board of Trade on Wednesday, they eventually increased. The government is set to announce its initial assessment of the autumn harvest on Friday. Projections for corn yields have already been reduced by 12 percent due to the effects of hot, dry weather in the Farm Belt. The drought has become a political issue in an election year, with President Obama urging Congress to pass a farm bill that will provide aid to farmers and ranchers affected by the disaster. The administration is committed to helping minimize the impact of the drought. "It is a significant drought with wide-reaching effects on farmers and ranchers in multiple states," stated Obama. He emphasized the urgency of Congress finishing the new five-year farm bill before the upcoming election. Republican leaders in the House of Representatives, who were unable to pass the farm bill, suggested a $383 million aid package for livestock producers before their summer break. Obama expressed his desire for lawmakers to receive feedback from their constituents during the recess and to return in September ready to promptly finalize the farm bill.