This week, Chicago is baking under a dangerous heat dome, with heat index values expected to hit 105–115°F. But this isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s a direct threat to your electronic devices.

A little-known factor adding to the misery? Corn sweat.
Yes, really.

🌽 What Is Corn Sweat?

As temperatures rise across the Midwest, millions of acres of corn release massive amounts of moisture into the air through a process called evapotranspiration. This extra humidity acts like a pressure cooker, making it feel even hotter — and much harder for devices (and people) to cool down.

That’s why it’s not just the temperature, but the humidity + heat combo that creates real danger.

Any Chicagoan will tell you, it’s not the heat that kills ya... it’s the humidity.

🔌 Which Devices Are Affected by Extreme Heat?

High temperatures can damage nearly every kind of electronic device, including:

  • Laptops – especially when used outdoors or left in vehicles

  • Smartphones & Tablets – vulnerable to battery swelling and screen issues

  • Desktops & Workstations – prone to internal fan failure or shutdowns

  • Servers & Network Equipment – rely heavily on stable cooling

  • Modems, Routers & Switches – often placed in poorly ventilated areas

  • Printers & Copiers – overheating can melt internal components

  • Battery Packs & Power Banks – high heat shortens lifespan and risks fire

  • Security Cameras & IoT Devices – outdoor heat can distort lenses and circuitry

⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Protect Them?

When devices overheat, you could face:

  • Battery damage or swelling (especially lithium-ion)

  • Component warping (from sustained internal heat above 95°F)

  • Data corruption or hardware crashes

  • CPU/GPU throttling (leading to slow or failed performance)

  • Permanent shutdowns or motherboard failure

In extreme cases, repairs may not be possible. Here’s what replacements could cost:

Device Average Replacement Cost
Business Laptop $1,000–$2,500
Server Hardware $3,000–$15,000+
Network Switch/Firewall $500–$5,000
Smartphone $800–$1,200
Power Backup (UPS) $300–$2,000

Don’t forget — if data is lost or systems are down, the real cost could include lost productivity, missed deadlines, or even a full day of halted operations.

🛡️ How to Protect Your Devices from the Heat

 

💻 Laptops & Tablets

  • Never leave in a hot car. Interior temps can reach 140–170°F fast.

  • Avoid direct sunlight. Use under shade or indoors with ventilation.

  • Use cooling pads or laptop stands to improve airflow.

  • Power down when not in use to reduce internal heat generation.

 

📱 Smartphones & Power Banks

  • Keep out of glove compartments, dashboards, or hot bags.

  • Don’t charge in extreme heat. Charging itself produces heat.

  • Watch for temperature warnings on iOS and Android — take them seriously.

 

🖥️ Servers & Network Devices

  • Check HVAC systems daily. Ensure server rooms stay between 64–82°F.

  • Install environmental sensors for real-time temp alerts.

  • Consider a portable AC or exhaust fan for backup if cooling fails.

  • Seal server rooms and close hot/cold aisles to prevent airflow leaks.

 

🌐 Wi-Fi Routers & IoT Devices

  • Move away from direct sun, especially in window sills or uninsulated closets.

  • Keep cables tidy and avoid clustering devices that generate mutual heat.

 

🧊 Pro Tips for Surviving the Heat Dome

 

  1. Work early in the day. Even indoors, temperatures can rise in sunlit or poorly cooled rooms. Avoid using high-powered devices during afternoon peak heat (typically 2–6 PM) to reduce thermal stress and performance issues.

  2. Shut down unused devices. They add heat — and stress cooling systems.

  3. Keep backups. Heat-related damage can hit suddenly, so make sure your critical data is backed up offsite or in the cloud.

  4. Inspect batteries. Any signs of swelling, leakage, or heat retention mean it's time to replace immediately.

  5. Monitor and document. Use logging tools to track server room temperature spikes and cooling trends.

 

✅ Final Thought

 

Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s quietly destructive. From cornfields adding humidity to urban hotspots cooking cars and server rooms, the conditions in Chicago this week are ideal for tech failure.

If you wouldn’t leave your dog in the car, don’t leave your laptop either.
Take proactive steps now, and you’ll avoid costly replacements and downtime later.

Need help securing your tech environment during the heat wave?
We’re here to assess, monitor, and protect your systems — no matter the weather.

Stay cool. Stay connected. Stay protected.

Data-Link Associates, Inc. is an IT support and managed services provider specializing in cybersecurity and custom programming.

Call us when you need us! (630) 406-8969 or info@datalinkmsp.com or

What To Know About The Heat Dome v.s. Your ElectronicsSchedule a 15-minute virtual appointment with Angela Jamerson here:

https://go.appointmentcore.com/book/gtkdUPdrq?cid=is:~Contact.Id~