As an ex-pat presently in Madison, Wisconsin (USA), just thought I'd mention the high on Monday and Tuesday this week was -17C (getting down to -25C overnight), with a stiff wind taking the wind chill down to -37C at points and with 1-2" of snow falling on Tuesday morning. The major highway around town had ~50 accidents involving ~100 cars, local schools and HE colleges typically closed - and my university stayed open because it was only 'dangerously' cold (as opposed to 'life-threatening' - see the article in the university paper: http://www.dailycardinal.com/news/35-below-zero-not-cold-enough-to-cancel-class.html). We were less than amused, but having said that it was much easier than usual to walk into work (~30 min.) due to the lack of students on the sidewalks! (I'd rather be moving when it's this cold than standing at a bus stop.) I am not sure what I will say when I get back to England and people complain about a low of -3C...