THIS is the moment a ‘dust devil’ tore through a London tourist hotspot that sent picnickers running and debris flying.
The spinning vortex of dried dirt and leaves was filmed at Greenwich Park, London this weekend.
Picnickers ran from the dusty mini tornado Credit: TikTok/jimmy.delinquent
Jattvibebathers appeared worried as the unpredictable mini tornado barrelled across the dry grass Credit: TikTok/jimmy.delinquent
Footage shows the mini tornado furiously swirling around the south London park.
Plumes of dust and dried leaves can be seen being violently whipped up into the air.
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Commonly known as a ‘dust devil’, the swirling wall of grit appeared to rip through picnickers as they tried to enjoy the sunshine.
Parkgoers could be seen running away from the spiralling column of dust to avoid getting dirt in their eyes and mouth.
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These dry conditions are likely to continue as temperatures are expected to rise to 36C Credit: TikTok/jimmy.delinquent
Parkgoers ran from the flying debris and dried leaves Credit: TikTok/jimmy.delinquent
Jattvibebathers appeared worried as the unpredictable mini tornado barrelled across the dry grass.
Dust devils are wider at the base and narrow at the top, and can vary in height and strength, with some reaching more than 1,000ft.
The phenomena are typically seen in arid landscapes such as deserts – but following the hot conditions across the capital in the last few weeks, the park was dry and dusty.
These conditions are likely to continue as the Met Office has predicted temperatures to rise to 36C this week.
What are dust devils?
Dust devils are strong, well-formed, and relatively short-lived whirlwinds.
They range in size from just half a metre wide and a few metres tall to more than 10 metres wide and half a mile high.
Both dust devils and tornadoes are a weather phenomenon involving a vertical rotating column of wind, but they are not the same.
Tornadoes form on the back of a supercell thunderstorm, while dust devils form as a swirling updraft under sunny conditions during fair weather.
And while they rarely come close to the intensity of a tornado, but on can grow large enough to pose a threat to people and property.
Brits have been told to brace for a fifth heatwave as amber heat health alerts have been issued for most of England.
The Met Office is also considering issuing a rare amber or red extreme heat warning as a result of the high temperatures.
Half of England and all of Wales have been plunged into drought and more regions could be declared when officials meet today at the National Drought Group.
Currently, more than 25million households are under hosepipe ban restrictions after introductions by nine water companies.
Under a temporary use ban, customers cannot use a hosepipe, sprinkler, or pressure washer for various activities, such as watering plants or filling up hot tubs.
Anyone caught breaking these rules can face a £1,000 fine, unless an approved exemption or loophole is in place.
But following the meeting today, car washing and swimming pools could be banned, with businesses potentially targeted next.
