Sydney has shivered through its coldest start to August in over a decade. On Wednesday, the first morning of the month started out on a cool note, dipping to seven degrees just after 5am. While this was only two degrees below average, it was the coldest first morning of the month in 14 years. The day then became mostly sunny, although moderate south to southwesterly winds made it feel cooler than it actually was at times. The mercury only managed to reach 16 degrees, also two below average and the coldest first day of August in 13 years. A cold pool of air over Sydney yesterday was responsible for the nippy start to the last month of winter. A deep low pressure system over the Tasman Sea directed persistent southerly winds along the NSW coast, drawing cool air north from the Southern Ocean. This southerly airstream will weaken on Thursday, allowing the temperature to nudge up to 17 degrees. Conditions will then gradually warm towards the weekend as a high pressure system builds from the west. Highs of 19 degrees are expected on both Saturday and Sunday under sunny skies. Nights will remain on the cool side though, dipping to around eight degrees each night between Thursday and Sunday.