mug of water exploded last night

Bianca42

We got a new microwave last week and I'm still trying to figure out the optimal time to heat a mug of water for tea.  Last night I put the water in for 2 minutes and then was distracted getting the kids bathed and into bed.  I thought it was pretty well cooled off, so I put it back in for another 2 minutes.  I took the mug out and set it on the counter.  As soon as the teabag hit the surface, the water exploded out of the cup.  It went halfway up the upper cabinets and emptied more than half the water from the cup.  I have no idea how I was able to pull my hand back fast enough that I didn't get burned.

I'd read the email warnings about heating water in the microwave and even though snopes said they were true I always assumed the people were heating the water for crazy-long times.  It scared the crud out of me!!!