Sub-zero temperatures have hit both the east and west as a true taste of winter arrives over southern Australia.

In Western Australia, the South West region felt the freeze as Collie East experienced a morning colder than any other last year, falling to a chilly -1.5°C. The nearby locations of Wandering (-1.4°C), Bridgetown (-1.1°C), and Bunbury (1.5°C) had their coldest May morning in 3 years.

Image: Temperatures this morning over WA

In the east, Bathurst fell to a frosty -2.5°C, its coldest morning since last winter, a feat also shared by many western Sydney Suburbs (including Canterbury, Holsworthy, and Badgerys Creek), the Hunter (such as 4.3°C in Singleton) and the Central Tablelands (falling to -1.2°C in Mudgee).

Even some coastal locations felt the chill, as Gabo Island recorded its coldest May morning in 20 years, falling to 6.7°C. It was also the coldest May morning in 15 years for Merimbula (1.5°C), 11 years for Port Augusta (1.6°C), and 6 years for Mallacoota (4.0°C).

Image: Temperatures this morning over the southeast

The broad-scale freeze was brought about by a substantial cold front crossing southern Australia, bringing a lingering frigid airmass. High pressure moving in its wake help to clear the skies and ease the winds, letting the mercury plummet close to the ground.

Another cool morning is expected on Sunday for southern Australia, particularly over SA and NSW. Extra cloud will start to affect both the east and west coasts during the week, making nights milder.