The phenomenon of steam rising from asphalt after rain in the Poconos or any other location is not actually steam but rather the result of a natural process called evaporation. When it rains, water accumulates on the ground, including on roads and pavement surfaces like asphalt. After the rain stops, the water begins to evaporate due to the ambient heat from the sun or the ground.
Asphalt tends to absorb and retain heat, especially during sunny or warm weather conditions. When rainwater falls on the hot asphalt, it quickly heats up, and the heat energy causes the water to evaporate rapidly. The water vapor that rises from the surface of the asphalt may appear as steam due to its temperature difference with the surrounding air. However, it is not steam in the scientific sense, which is created by boiling water.
The phenomenon is more noticeable in cooler or colder weather conditions, such as in the Poconos region, where the contrast between the warm asphalt and the cooler air can make the evaporating water vapor more visible. The rising water vapor may resemble steam due to its rapid evaporation and the condensation of moisture in the air.
It's worth noting that this phenomenon is not unique to the Poconos and can occur in various other locations with asphalt or concrete surfaces after rainfall, especially in areas with significant temperature differentials and humidity levels.