Thermal distortion in real time, when it exists, is very obvious when using a pair of Canon 10X42 L IS binoculars. The magnification is equivalent to a 500mm lens, chromatic aberration with the only L quality binoculars is significantly better than the other Canon offering, and the IS is fantastic.
Today I was looking in the same direction as my earlier sample picture with a very thermally distorted windmill, and I wasn't seeing much distortion with the binoculars. The temperature was 90 degrees, but the sun was behind clouds, and there was a 10 to 12 MPH breeze.
I used the same setup as before, 5DsR, 100-400mm II and 1.4X TC III at 560mm equivalent focal length. Even though the windmill blades were facing a different direction, the distortion of the legs was much less. I also shot an oil well that is a mile away, and the distortion is relatively low considering the 90 degree temperature and distance involved. Between the clouds blocking the direct sun, and possibly the wind, the difference between the two shooting days was amazing. Too bad there weren't any antelope today!