The cold might have something to do with the absence of sunlight at 4am in Australia?
Fantastic, winter solstice - we've turned the corner! I like to have set up before sunset and this has been a real eye-opener in my first year's observing - how early the sun does go down in winter.
However, I do accept accept that it will get colder for some time yet. Going to be a challenge for my less than arctic-approved clothing