In the weather, most terms and phrases have concrete definitions. However, there are some phrases, often tied to weather folklore, that have more ambiguous definitions. Indian Summer is one of those somewhat ambiguous weather phrases, that lacks a true "one-size fits all climates" definition. The phrase has been used in the United States for more than 200 years, but there are conflicting stories about the exact origin of the phrase.
The National Weather Service defines Indian Summer as a dry period of unusual warmth, typically in late October or November, after a significant freeze. Most of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan has fallen well below freezing at least once this fall, and in general, the growing season has ended. Toledo's coldest so far this fall was 29° on October 8th.
Early this week, a strong warm front will surge north across our area, driving temperatures into the 70s for a four day stretch. Clouds and some rain showers will accompany the front on Monday evening, Monday night and Tuesday. By Wednesday, we'll be dry with plenty of sunshine and only a few small fair-weather clouds. Highs will be near 76 on Wednesday and 78 on Thursday. This will be 15° to nearly 20° above normal.
In general, this meets the most widely accepted definition of Indian Summer. Enjoy it, because a major reality check will be here next weekend.
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