During a severe drought in the United States, a government agency announced on Wednesday that a heat record from July, dating back to the Dust Bowl summer of 1936, had been broken. Despite widespread crop damage in July, Midwest farmers were hopeful as rain was forecasted for the next 10 days, potentially easing rising grain prices and global concerns of food inflation. July was confirmed as the hottest month on record in the continental United States by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), surpassing the previous record set in July 1936. The period from January to July also marked the warmest since record-keeping began in 1895, with the warmest 12-month period recorded, breaking the previous record set just a month earlier. This marked the fourth consecutive month in which U.S. temperatures broke the record for the hottest 12-month period, according to NOAA. Experts predict that the ongoing drought, the most severe since 1956, will result in the smallest corn harvest in six years. This has led to exceptionally high prices and limited supplies. Despite extensive planting, this would mark the third consecutive year of reduced corn production. The combination of drought and heat exacerbated each other in July, with dry soils causing temperatures to rise even further. While some rain and cooler temperatures are expected in the drought-affected US Midwest, it may come too late to salvage the heavily impacted corn crop. Meteorologist Jason Nicholls from AccuWeather stated that while the upcoming weather is an improvement from previous conditions, he is hesitant to label it as a drought-breaker. He mentioned that the long-term forecast still indicates a return to warm and dry conditions. Nicholls forecasted rainfall of 0.25 to 0.75 inches, with some areas experiencing heavier amounts, across about 75 percent of the Midwest from Wednesday through Friday morning, as well as another weather system next week. He noted that there may be slightly less rain in southeast Iowa, but Missouri could see increased rainfall. Drew Lerner, a meteorologist for World Weather Inc, mentioned that there will be some more rain in the northwest for the weekend. Temperatures in the Midwest are expected to be in the 80s Fahrenheit over the next few days, which is a relief from the extreme heat in the 90s and low 100s that have been damaging corn and soybean production. The crops are crucial for livestock, leading to increased grain prices, which will impact consumer staples such as milk, cheese, beef, fish, and poultry. Many producers are reducing the size of their herds to save money and prevent significant losses. Corn and soybeans are used in a variety of products, including biofuels, starch, edible oils, and lubricants. In the past two months, US corn prices have increased by more than 50 percent, reaching a record high on July 20. Soybean prices, which were planted later than corn, also rose by over 20 percent during the same period, hitting a record high on the same day. However, harvest-time delivery prices have decreased by about 7 percent due to light rains in parts of the Midwest over the last two weeks. Analysts believe that these rains could benefit the crop by aiding in pod filling. Unfortunately, the rain came too late for the corn crop, which has already passed its crucial pollination stage where final yields are determined. Despite an initial decrease, grain prices at the Chicago Board of Trade eventually rebounded. The government will release its initial assessment of the autumn harvest on Friday. Projections for corn yields have already been reduced by 12% because of the hot, dry weather in the Farm Belt. The drought has become a topic in election year politics, with President Obama urging Congress to approve a farm bill that will provide disaster aid to farmers and ranchers. He promised that the administration will take all necessary steps to lessen the drought's impact. Obama described the drought as a significant event affecting farmers and ranchers in multiple states. He emphasized the importance of Congress finishing a new five-year farm bill before the upcoming election. Although Republican leaders in the House were unable to pass the bill, they suggested a $383 million disaster package for livestock producers. Obama expressed his desire for lawmakers to hear from their constituents during the recess and return on September 10 ready to finalize the farm bill promptly.