Asphalt Buckles Amid U.S. Heatwave
Suspected "Blow-Up" Phenomenon
Asphalt Appears to Expand Due to High Temperatures
As an early heatwave continues to sweep across various parts of the United States, a dramatic accident occurred when an asphalt road suddenly buckled, launching a vehicle into the air.
According to foreign media outlets such as the New York Post, on June 22 (local time), Albert Blackwell witnessed the road suddenly rise while driving through Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He released a video of the incident on social media.
The footage shows the center of an asphalt road abruptly swelling, causing a silver vehicle in motion to be catapulted into the air before landing with a violent jolt. A blue car following behind was also captured slamming on the brakes and then carefully crossing the buckled section of the road.
Experts described this phenomenon as a "blow-up" event, which occurs when heated asphalt expands and pushes upward due to high temperatures. This typically happens during extreme heat with apparent temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius.
This month, the United States has been experiencing an unusual heatwave. On June 25, the temperature in Central Park, Manhattan, New York, reached 37.2 degrees Celsius, marking the highest level in 13 years since July 18, 2012. John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York City, also recorded 38.9 degrees Celsius on the same day, setting an all-time high for June since weather records began.
The National Weather Service issued heat warnings and advisories for about one-third of the U.S. East Coast, including major metropolitan areas. Heat warnings were also issued for parts of the Midwest, such as northern Indiana and northwestern Ohio. However, the National Weather Service predicted that the heatwave would gradually subside, with temperatures returning to normal from June 27.
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