Blue sky thinking

Sunday was the autumnal equinox in the northern hemisphere, a period often associated with storms and changeable weather. On cue, much of the country was deluged with rail and buffeted by high winds. But the weather forecasters are now predicting that most welcome of meteorological phenomenon, the Indian Summer.

No one seems to know exactly where the term originated – possibly among Native Americans who celebrated summer’s last hurrah before winter set in. In less temperate climes than ours it is usually applied to a settled, warm interlude after the first hard frost and the onset of winter proper. In other parts of Europe it is known as old woman’s summer or gypsy summer. But whatever it is called, let’s hope the forecast is right.