During a severe drought in the United States, a government agency announced on Wednesday that a heat record from July, which had been in place since the Dust Bowl summer of 1936, had been broken. Midwest farmers, who had suffered crop damage in July, received some relief with rain forecasted for the next 10 days, potentially alleviating rising grain prices and global food inflation concerns. July was confirmed as the hottest month ever recorded 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 was also the warmest since 1895, when modern record-keeping began, and the warmest 12-month period, breaking the previous record set just a month ago. This marks the fourth consecutive month that U.S. temperatures have broken the record for the hottest 12-month period, as reported by NOAA. Analysts predict that the current drought, which is the most severe since 1956, will result in the smallest corn crop in six years. This has caused prices to reach record highs due to tight supplies. Despite large plantings, this would mark the third consecutive year of declining corn production. The drought and high temperatures in July exacerbated each other, as explained by scientist Jake Crouch from NOAA's National Climatic Data Center. Crouch stated that the hotter and drier conditions in the summer lead to increased daytime temperatures. While weather forecasts indicate some relief with rains and cooler temperatures in the drought-affected US Midwest crop belt, it may come too late to benefit the severely damaged corn crop. Soybeans planted later in the season may benefit from the changing weather conditions. Meteorologist Jason Nicholls from AccuWeather stated that while the upcoming weather conditions are an improvement from previous ones, he is hesitant to label it as a drought-ending event. He mentioned that the long-term forecast still indicates warm and dry conditions. Nicholls predicted that the Midwest will receive between 0.25 to 0.75 inches of rain, with some areas experiencing heavier amounts, over the next few days. He also mentioned that a similar weather system is expected the following week. Nicholls 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 some rain in the northwest for the weekend. In the Midwest, temperatures in the 80s are expected for the next few days, which is a relief compared to the high temperatures that have been negatively impacting corn and soybean production. The crops are essential for livestock feed, so the high grain prices will likely lead to an increase in consumer prices for dairy, meat, and poultry products. As a result, many producers are reducing the size of their herds to cut costs and prevent significant losses. Additionally, corn and soybeans are used in a variety of products, such as biofuels, starch, edible oils, and lubricants. US corn prices have increased by over 50% in the last two months, reaching a record high on July 20th. Soybeans, which were planted after corn, also went up by more than 20% during the same period and hit a record high on the same day. Prices for harvest-time delivery dropped by about 7% due to light rains in parts of the Midwest in the last two weeks, which analysts believe could benefit the crops as they are filling pods. The rains were considered to be too late for the corn crop, which has already passed the pollination stage where final yields are determined. Grain prices at the Chicago Board of Trade initially decreased on Wednesday but then rebounded. The government is set to release its initial assessment of the autumn harvest this Friday. Projections for corn yields have already been reduced by 12 percent due to the hot and dry conditions in the Farm Belt. The drought has now become a factor in election year politics, with President Obama urging Congress to pass a farm bill that will provide disaster relief to farmers and ranchers. The administration is committed to lessening the effects of the drought in any way possible. Obama called the current drought a significant event that is affecting farmers and ranchers in multiple states. He emphasized the importance of Congress passing a new five-year farm bill before the upcoming election. Despite the House of Representatives' failure to pass a farm bill, Republican leaders proposed a $383 million disaster package for livestock producers. Obama expressed hope that lawmakers would hear from their constituents during the summer recess and reconvene on September 10 to promptly finalize the farm bill.