In the midst of an unprecedented drought in the United States, a government agency announced on Wednesday that a heat record from July had been broken, a record that had been in place since the devastating Dust Bowl summer of 1936. Following extensive crop damage in July, Midwest farmers received some relief on Wednesday with forecasts of rain in the next 10 days, which could help alleviate rising grain prices and concerns of global food inflation. July was confirmed as the hottest month on record in the continental United States, surpassing the previous record set in July 1936, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The period from January to July also marked the warmest period since record-keeping began in 1895, as well as the warmest 12-month period, surpassing the previous record set just a month earlier. This marked the fourth consecutive month in which U.S. temperatures had broken the record for the hottest 12-month period, as reported by NOAA. Analysts are predicting that the current drought, the most severe since 1956, will result in the smallest corn crop in six years. This has led to record-high prices and limited supplies. Despite large plantings, this would mark the third consecutive year of decreasing corn production. Jake Crouch, a scientist at NOAA's National Climatic Data Center, explained that the drought and heat in July exacerbated each other, with dry soils leading to higher daytime temperatures. While some relief may come in the form of rain and cooler temperatures in the US Midwest crop belt, it is unlikely to help the already damaged corn crop. Jason Nicholls, a meteorologist for AccuWeather, stated that while the upcoming weather is an improvement from previous conditions, he is hesitant to label it as a drought-ending event. The longer-term forecast still predicts warm and dry weather. Nicholls expects 0.25 to 0.75 inches of rain, with some areas receiving heavier amounts, in 75% of the Midwest from Wednesday to Friday morning, with a similar weather pattern anticipated for the following week. He noted that there may be slightly less rain in southeast Iowa, but increased rainfall in Missouri. Drew Lerner, a meteorologist for World Weather Inc, mentioned that there will be slightly more rain in the northwest for the weekend. Temperatures in the Midwest are expected to be in the 80s Fahrenheit for the next few days, a decrease from the high 90s and low 100s that have been damaging corn and soybean production, which are key crops. The rise in grain prices due to the drought will impact consumer staples such as milk, cheese, beef, fish, and poultry as the crops are essential for livestock feed. To save money and prevent significant losses, many producers have begun reducing the size of their herds. Corn and soybeans are also used in various products, including biofuels like ethanol, starch, edible oils, and lubricants. US corn prices have increased by more than 50 percent in the last two months, reaching a record high on July 20. Similarly, soybean prices, which were planted later than corn, have also risen by more than 20 percent during the same period, also hitting a record high on the same day. However, harvest-time delivery prices have dropped by about 7 percent due to light rains in parts of the Midwest over the past two weeks. Analysts believe these rains could benefit the crop as it is currently filling pods. The rains, though, are considered to be too late for the corn crop, which has already passed its crucial pollination stage. At the Chicago Board of Trade, grain prices initially decreased on Wednesday before rebounding. 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 conditions in the Farm Belt. The drought has become a topic in election year politics, with President Obama urging Congress to pass a farm bill that includes disaster aid for farmers and ranchers. The administration is committed to helping lessen the effects of the drought. Obama stated that the ongoing drought is of historical significance and is severely affecting farmers and ranchers in multiple states. With the US election approaching, Obama emphasized the importance of Congress finalizing a new five-year farm bill. Although Republican leaders in the House of Representatives were unable to pass a farm bill, they proposed a $383 million disaster package for livestock producers before taking a summer break. Obama expressed his wish that lawmakers receive feedback from their constituents during the five-week recess and return on September 10 ready to promptly finish work on the farm bill.