Severe Heat Wave Causes Dramatic Road Damage and Record Temperatures

The ongoing intense heat, driven by a huge “heat dome,” has shattered records across the country and caused notable structural damage. In Missouri, a road buckled so severely that a vehicle launched into the air like a stunt in a Hot Wheels commercial, witnessed by bystander Albert Blackwell, who captured the moment on video. The car appeared undamaged after its unexpected leap, which resulted from the extreme heat expanding the asphalt.

Heat-related road damage is becoming more common, as asphalt cracks and warps under high temperatures. Another video from Baltimore shows a stalled Amtrak train left without air conditioning, with passengers suffering in the stifling heat after the train stopped in a tunnel.

Temperatures soared above 90°F in many cities. Major East Coast hubs like Washington D.C., Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Raleigh were projected to surpass 100°F, with Manhattan reaching a near-record of 99°F—the hottest in over a century for June 24.

Experts warn that the heat dome—the large “bubble” of stagnant, hot air—is drifting southward and may bring dangerous heat to more regions before weakening over the weekend. Authorities in affected areas have responded by evacuating vulnerable populations, canceling outdoor events, and issuing alerts to conserve power, as some regions face the risk of blackouts.

Some areas experienced a spike in mortality; in Missouri, a woman in her 50s died after power was cut in her home, highlighting the deadly risks of extreme heat. Authorities advise residents to take regular breaks and limit power usage during peak hours to avoid blackouts and heat-related illnesses.