The winter solstice is fast approaching, but in reality it feels like winter has just begun. The winter solstice on Saturday 21st marks the shortest interval between sunrise and sunset of the year, and beyond that heralding the start of longer sunshine hours. It has only been in the past week that it has actually felt like winter for many capital cities. Heavy rain and strong winds battered Perth, cloud kept temperatures cool for Melbourne, fog shrouded Canberra and cool land-breezes with clear blue skies over Sydney made it feel particularly winter-like in the morning. The strongest cold front we have seen so far this season is poised to sweep over the south on Sunday and Monday, reaching the southeast by late Monday. This front is not only carrying a large cold airmass behind it, but gusty winds and showers. For Victorian residents who were wondering where winter is, this front will make it feel like it has finally arrived. For the snow-bunnies looking for some powder, this front will bring some decent snow to the resorts, with falls in the region of 20-40cm. For Sydney-siders who will only get a little (or if any) rain, the gusty winds will make it feel a few degrees cooler due to the wind chill. Finally a decent reason to wear Ugg boots in public!