Last modified: Saturday, December 22, 2007 1:00 AM EST Attleboro Department of Public Works crews have been working nights clearing snow in the downtown area after a series of late fall snowstorms. (Staff photo by TOM MAGUIRE) Say, what ever happened to fall? BY STEPHEN PETERSON SUN CHRONICLE STAFF ATTLEBORO - Was there really a fall this year? It just seemed like we cruised with no transition from summer to winter, which officially kicks in today. It was an autumn of polar opposites, with most of the fall seeing above average and often downright summer-like temperatures, and the tail end experiencing temps well below normal and weather usually found in the heart of winter. The weather changed so abruptly with the two recent snowstorms and Arctic chill, many homeowners didn't finish raking leaves before the wintry conditions descended. On the bright side, area landscapes paint picturesque scenes to usher in the Christmas season. Credit that to the 11-inch snowstorm Dec. 13 that came earlier and heavier than expected, gridlocking students and employees heading home from school and work. A 5.5 inch snowstorm three days later that was accompanied by sleet, freezing rain and rain made for icy conditions that persist, leading to plenty of slip and falls and vehicle crashes. Tuesday's low temperature bottomed out at a frigid 8 degrees and Wednesday's low was in the teens, according to the Attleboro Water Department. How quickly New England weather can change. The picture was a complete turnaround from most of autumn, with many days registering temperatures 20 degrees higher than normal for the time of year. Miserable as it quickly has become, the snow should end a drought the area has endured. At least three consecutive months of below average rainfall constitute a drought, and August, September, October and November were below average. This fall's biggest one-day rainfall came Nov. 3, with almost an inch on the heels of the remnants of Hurricane Noel that also brought strong winds to the area. Other weather information compiled by the city water department for the fall: The start of fall saw two straight days of record-breaking temperatures, including 91 degrees on Sept. 26. October, with an average daily high temperature of 70 degrees, tied the record for the warmest October in the 68 years the water department has been keeping weather records. The month had an unusual four record daily high temperatures, including 86 degrees on Oct. 6 that tied for the highest October temp ever recorded, and 80 degrees Oct. 18 that broke a 51-year-old record. November continued the unseasonably warm weather, with an average daily high of 53 degrees. The highest temp was 73 degrees. With almost 17.5 inches of snow falling before winter arrived, from the two major storms and two minor ones this month, the Attleboro area has already surpassed last winter's 14.5 inches. The 11-inch storm on Dec. 13 fell into a two-way tie for the third biggest one-day snowfall for December.