Possible Clues:

• Deficit which can possibly lead to lengthy cold spell?
• Deficit suggesting winter may be extensive?
• Deficiency Alice certainly didn't experience
• Deficit preceding lengthy winter for Uncle Sam?
• The season is not long enough for there to be not enough of it
• Not quite what's expected - just a little drop?
• Although it seems that autumn did not last long, that was not quite enough
• Brief shower supplying lack
• Deficiency in disorderly host far ahead of lines
• Deficiency in whisky, perhaps a drop