Dust devils are common in Palmas during the dry season. Dust devils attract the attention of residents from different locations in Palmas, in the central region of the state. A video made by Fernando Angelo this Monday (6), shows the phenomenon in block 912 Sul, Karoline Machado, on the other hand, had to take shelter in a car while recording Aureny, on the same day, to escape the dust (see video above). But what causes whirlpools? ??? ? Click here to follow the g1 TO channel on WhatsApp According to the meteorologist at the State Center for Meteorology and Water Resources at the State University of Tocantins, José Luiz Cabral, this type of dust devil occurs when the ground superheated by the sun transfers intense heat to the air just above it. It is a short-lived phenomenon common at this time of year with days of strong sun, low humidity and light winds. "A difference in atmospheric pressure induces a rapid rise of the air in the form of a spiral, creating a mini center of low pressure that raises the dust. From a physical point of view, there is a difference between the temperature of the air close to the ground, which is very hot, and the temperature of the air in the layers above, which are less hot", explains Cabral. The content creator, Fernando, was riding a motorcycle and upon seeing a whirlpool decided to record the scene. The phenomenon formed a strong wind spiral and approached him. "He lifted some bags and dry leaves into the air. Whoever cleaned the floor of the house must have been upset with the surprise when he passed by on 906 South", he says. MORE "I found the scene different, what I didn't imagine was that that dust would come straight towards me", he says. ? The whirlwind is different from a tornado It is common for dust devils to be confused with tornadoes, but unlike the tornado, this phenomenon recorded by Palmenses only forms on cloudless days with dry weather. Furthermore, the speed of these winds only reaches 200km/h, causing small roofing or breaking of branches. Tornadoes can only form during thunderstorms, in a specific combination of winds. Fires The meteorologist warns that whirlwinds can have more worrying contours when they occur in vegetation and rural areas at the height of the fire season. Low humidity combined with fire episodes can turn into so-called fire whirls. The phenomenon occurs when the extreme heat of the flames causes the air to spiral upward, creating a rotating column of fire, ash and gases. See more news from the region on g1 Tocantins.