A small whirlwind, commonly known as a dust devil, unexpectedly spun through Greenwich Park in south-east London on Sunday, causing alarm among park visitors.

Footage captured the swirling vortex as it moved across the park, disturbing people who were enjoying picnics. The phenomenon, though startling, is a natural occurrence often seen on warm, sunny days.

Onlookers were seen scrambling to gather their belongings and retreat as the dust devil moved through the area. The visible nature of the swirling column is due to the dust, hay, or other light debris it picks up from the ground.

Dust devils form when the ground heats up significantly on a clear, calm day, causing air near the surface to become very hot. This hot air then rises rapidly, creating an updraft. As cooler air from above sinks to replace it, it begins to rotate, much like water draining from a sink, forming a vortex.

While dust devils can be visually dramatic and sometimes unsettling, they are generally much weaker than tornadoes and typically dissipate quickly. They are characterized by their funnel shape, which can range from a few feet to over a hundred feet in height.

Experts note that the conditions on Sunday, likely warm and sunny, would have been conducive to the formation of such a weather event. The presence of light debris on the ground in the park would have made the dust devil visible.

Incidents like this, though rare in urban parks, serve as a reminder of the diverse weather phenomena that can occur even in populated areas. While no damage was reported, the event provided a memorable and surprising experience for those present.

The swirling vortex eventually dispersed, leaving park-goers to assess the unusual encounter. The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of atmospheric conditions and their potential to create brief, localized events.