the engine coolant system must have pressure. even if its not leaking coolant , like the pressure cap is defective and is not holding the pressure 14-18 psi . then the coolant will boil that means the water pump cannot pump because its a water pump not an air pump . no flow the temps will soar !
usually these issues happen when winter ends and the ac is put on in a stop go traffic area .
if the coolant drops down with a actual fluid leak to the point of no pump circulation that would cause engine damage. usually the heads crack/distort because its up high on the block and has the most extreme heat.