The term "Indian Summer" evokes images of pleasantly warm days amidst the crispness of autumn. But what exactly is an Indian Summer, and what meteorological conditions cause it? The term itself is steeped in folklore, with its origins somewhat debated. Some theories suggest it was coined by Native Americans to describe a period of false spring, while others attribute it to early European settlers. Regardless of its etymology, an Indian Summer generally refers to a spell of warm, calm, and sunny weather that occurs in the autumn months, typically after a significant period of cool weather or a hard frost.