It's been 14 years since Sydney has been this cold this early in the year since 1997, thanks to the strongest cold front of the year. Sydney topped at 16 degrees which is three below average. Strong and dry westerly winds gusted up to 54km/h through the city. This brought a wind chill factor, making it feel a few degrees colder than the actual temperature. It was particularly cold across the southern and central interior due to cloud, showers and westerly winds in the wake of a front. This front delivered icy air all the way from Antarctica. Central and southern inland NSW felt the brunt of the cold blast. Orange only reached a top of 4 degrees and Katoomba 6 degrees, both colder than any day last winter. The Snowy Mountains received persistent snow all day, which brought 20 centimetres of the fresh, powdery white stuff. The cold spell is not over yet. Lingering cold air and brisk westerly winds will bring another chilly day tomorrow. Another cold front will push through the country's southeast on Friday, bringing another blast of cold air which will linger into the weekend. The state should warm up next week, although more chilly mornings are on the way under clearer skies.