What is an Indian summer?

Yesterday was nice, today is due to be another dry day, tomorrow will be “mild, even warm”; Thursday should be “dry with good sunshine”, with Friday “largely dry”. Does this constitute an Indian summer?

Indian summer is “not a phrase we use at Met Éireann,” says Gerry Murphy, but forecasters do talk about “back-to-school weather” and Ireland often experiences a good spell in late September. “Indian summer” is of American etymology and best describes the US climate. A true Indian summer occurs in October or November, usually after the first cold snap. Whatever you call it, you should get out there and enjoy it, because early indications are that it could be all over by the weekend.