Sometimes, as the weather cools, we pull out our sweaters and pumpkin spice candles, all for Mother Nature to say, “Not so fast!”

Second Summer sneaks in to remind you that nature doesn’t always stick to the calendar. This term describes a short stretch of unusually warm weather that returns after the first real cooldown of fall. It can feel like a bonus round of summer: sunny skies, warm afternoons, maybe even a chance to squeeze in one more trip to the lake or backyard barbecue.

Second Summer typically happens when a strong area of high pressure settles in, allowing temperatures to rebound for several days. It’s most common in mid- to late autumn, depending on where you live, and often brings clear, dry weather.

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While it might feel like a meteorological prank, early cold fronts can drop temperatures, then the jet stream will temporarily shift north again, letting warm air surge back in.

So, if you find yourself trading flannel for flip-flops in November, you can thank Second Summer for one more taste of warmth before winter settles in for good.

Jennifer Gray is a weather and climate writer for weather.com. She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades.