This raw video shows a dust devil forming in Wilmington, California. | The Weather Channel

Dust devils are small, short-lived atmospheric vortices that form on hot, dry days when the ground heats the air near the surface faster than the air above it. As this warm air rises, it can begin to rotate, creating a visible column of swirling dust, dirt, or debris. Unlike tornadoes, dust devils are not connected to thunderstorms and usually develop under clear skies. They can range from a few feet to several hundred feet tall and last from seconds to several minutes. While generally harmless,