German weather broadcast manipulated to include flame graphics | Fact check

Kate S. Petersen, USA TODAY
·2 min read
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The claim: German weather broadcast included digital fire effects and sirens as climate change 'propaganda'

An Aug. 5 Facebook video (direct link, archive link) shows a weather broadcaster for German news show, Tagesthemen speaking in front of a screen that shows temperatures across Germany. Digital flames are shown across the bottom of the screen, while fire crackling sounds and sirens can be heard.

"The Climate Scam Is Reaching New Heights of Propaganda as Weather Stations in Germany Portray Weather Maps Actually on Fire," reads the caption.

The post was shared more than 100 times in two days. The video also spread on X, formerly Twitter.

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Our rating: Altered

The footage has been manipulated. The original broadcast didn't include flames or sirens.

German weather forecast altered to include flames and sirens

A spokesperson for ARD-aktuell − the German news division that produces Tagesthemen − told USA TODAY that the Facebook video does not show an authentic Tagesthemen broadcast. They directed USA TODAY to the original broadcast, which was uploaded to the Tagesschau YouTube channel on June 8 − nearly two months before the Facebook video was posted.

That recording shows the same broadcaster and temepratures, but it does not include fire graphics, sirens or fire crackling sounds.

International news outlets have reported increased harassment of meteorologists reporting on heat waves or climate change.

USA TODAY recently debunked a different social media post that claimed weather forecasters had changed their graphics as part of a "brainwashing" operation. The broadcaster had not actually changed its graphics.

Multiple independent climate agencies have documented the significant global warming trend caused by human greenhouse gas emissions. The pace of warming has more than doubled since the 1980s.

Fact check: False claim that forecaster changed weather maps for 'brainwashing' operation

USA TODAY reached out to the Facebook user who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

The claim was also debunked by Lead Stories.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Weather broadcast manipulated to include flames, siren | Fact check