Rare dust devil captured on camera in Ameenpur, Hyderabad; Sparks curiosity
Hyderabad: A rare natural phenomenon occurred on Saturday afternoon, February 15, 2025, when a dust devil was spotted on Kistareddipet Road in Ameenpur, Hyderabad, catching the attention of locals.
The sighting was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by user Koushik (@sai_koushika), who posted: “Spotted this సుడిగాలి🌪️ in Ameenpur Kistareddipet road @balaji25_t @Rajani_Weather @HiHyderabad.”
Spotted this సుడిగాలి🌪️ in Ameenpur
Kistareddipet road @balaji25_t @Rajani_Weather @HiHyderabad pic.twitter.com/qZ82IyCGP9— Koushik (@sai_koushika) February 15, 2025
Telangana Weatherman (@balaji25_t) explained the phenomenon by stating that dust devils are common during the afternoon in dry conditions. When surface temperatures rise, a local low-pressure area forms, causing surrounding air to rush in and create a vortex. This results in the swirling winds that pick up dirt and debris before dissipating after a few minutes.
Dustdevils are common when we have extremely dry air and hot temperatures 🌪️ https://t.co/SkG7QNyshm
— Telangana Weatherman (@balaji25_t) February 15, 2025
This is not the first dust devil sighting in the region. A similar event occurred on February 25, 2023, at the JNTU playground. Telangana Weatherman had shared insights about that incident, explaining that the hot ground creates a low-pressure zone, and as air rushes in to fill it, a dust devil forms.
This was the Dustdevil in JNTU playground in 2023. https://t.co/RKFnzeRAvB
— Telangana Weatherman (@balaji25_t) February 15, 2025
What is a dust devil?
A dust devil is essentially a tiny, rotating column of air formed when the daytime sun heats the ground. The heat causes air to rise, creating a low-pressure area. As air rushes in to fill the gap, the increasing circulation picks up dirt and debris, forming a vortex. The circulation weakens once cooler air enters the system, and the dust devil dissipates.
Although dust devils are generally not harmful, experts recommend keeping a safe distance, as they can lift debris that could be harmful if inhaled.
