Yes it helps those 'warm' atlantic lows from the Americas are always dumping rain on us and always scupper any chance of snow around here. Snow is rare here. Theres a chance of snow this week but the snow band looks to be pushed to the south now they think. -5C was probably optimistic -15C to 35C is probably nearer to the truth. But is cold wet colder than dry cold ? Its funny I remember when I toured Australia in my gap year after school going up the east coast during your 'winter' entering Queensland driving an old mitsubishi van and the radio was talking about the cold, I didn't really know what they were on about. People were phoning in not knowing what to do and there was a big discussion about wether or not to buy a 'heater' or not for their homes as many didn't have one lol. You guys have it tough during winter. Stay warm Ken down under.