Regardless of the specific origin, modern linguistic analysis views the phrase as a relic of colonialism. It defines a natural, beautiful weather event through a lens of racial stereotypes or conflict. Consequently, organizations such as the American Meteorological Society and major publication style guides have encouraged the use of alternatives.
While is still widely understood and used in casual conversation (especially in North America), many meteorologists, climate scientists, and style guides recommend using alternative terms. The shift is due to the original term's disputed and potentially offensive origins (rooted in colonial-era stereotypes about Native Americans). what is indian summer called now