PHOTOS: Dust devil forms on Mass Pike in Chicopee

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – A 22News viewer captured a dust devil on camera that developed Saturday afternoon on the Mass Pike.

The dust devil could be seen near the Chicopee exit on the Mass Pike around 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.

According to Jack Wu from the 22News Storm Team, dust devils are a sort of whirlwind that happens when the ground heats up significantly. For instance, on a very sunny day, as the hot air around the area rises, a low-pressure system forms and circulates. This creates a counter-clockwise movement that rotates the rising air while drawing in more air.

Any debris around the dust devil gets picked up and acts like a tiny tornado. Dust devil winds usually don’t cause significant damage, and are very common in areas with warm and dry climates.

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