Fact-Check: The Truth Behind Melting Traffic Lights Amidst Heat Waves

In July 2023, a peculiar claim circulated on social media, suggesting that metal traffic lights were melting due to extreme heat in various locations across the globe. This claim, sparked by a historic heat wave, raised eyebrows as it was reported that several areas, including Texas, Florida, and the U.K., were affected. As temperatures reached alarming heights, many began to question the validity of the viral images that accompanied these claims.

The images, which had been shared widely on platforms like Twitter and Facebook since at least July 2022, claimed to show traffic lights that had succumbed to the blistering heat. Reports indicated that these traffic lights were supposedly melting in locations such as Arizona, California, and Puerto Rico. As curiosity mounted, Snopes received numerous inquiries from concerned readers eager to separate fact from fiction.

Upon investigation, it became clear that the context behind the images was misrepresented. The original photo that sparked the claims was, in fact, taken in Italy, where a traffic light was melted due to a scooter fire rather than extreme weather conditions. This revelation highlights the importance of verifying information before sharing it, especially in an age where misinformation can spread rapidly.

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