Dust devils, locally known as "dust whirls," are common weather phenomena in desert and open areas during the summer, forming due to the significant increase in ground surface temperature and the accompanying updrafts that rotate around a vertical axis, lifting sand and dust to varying heights.

Burgis Al-Fulayh, a member of the "Afaq" Society for Astronomy, explained in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that the dust devil is a short-lived phenomenon whose size and intensity vary depending on the nature of the ground surface and soil type, forming as a rotating column of sand and dust that moves for limited distances before gradually dissipating.

Al-Fulayh stated that this phenomenon occurs when air in contact with the ground becomes hotter than the surrounding air, causing the hot air to rise and cooler air to flow in to replace it. With slight differences in wind directions, a rotational motion develops, producing an air vortex capable of carrying sand, dust, and light objects.

He noted that the frequency of this phenomenon has significantly declined in recent years, thanks to improved vegetation cover through the expansion of nature reserves, intensified afforestation efforts, prevention of indiscriminate logging, and regulation of grazing activities, which have contributed to reducing the formation of dust devils.

He pointed out that dust devils are more common during periods of weather stability and are not usually associated with thunderstorms or cyclones, unlike tornadoes that form within cumulonimbus clouds and are characterized by their powerful impact and wide range.

Al-Fulayh emphasized that although dust devils are mostly limited in their impact, they can cause a temporary reduction in horizontal visibility, stir up dust, and move light objects, necessitating caution, especially on open roads, desert areas, and field activity sites.

He clarified that this phenomenon is a natural seasonal feature in dry environments, with increased chances of formation during midday and afternoon hours due to high ground surface temperatures, before gradually weakening as surface heating decreases and evening approaches.