We may have all been sweltering yesterday as temperatures hit 33C in Oxford, but US student Emerald McGowan was not too hot and bothered in her jacket and jeans.

Asked why she was wearing such clothing in University Parks in the heatwave, the 19-year-old said: "Compared with where I'm from in Texas, this is nice, but it's not as hot.

"The temperature in Texas today is 106 Fahrenheit (41C). Now that's hot. I guess I just don't feel that warm."

Miss McGowan was part of a group of media students from Abilene Christian University, in Wichita Falls, Texas, who are on a study visit to England. Tutor Kenneth Pybus, 39, said he had decided to give the day's lectures outside.

He said: "There's a breeze out here, which makes it quite cool. This weather is beautiful, but we're pretty used to it."

Builders Simon Grant, 40, and Eric Adams, 56, were taking a breather from a job in Keble Road. Mr Adams said: "They supply us with sun cream and plenty of water, but it's unbearable in this heat - it's like being fried alive."

American Katie Hutcheson, 20, from Xenia, Ohio, was out running despite the heat. She said: "I'm only going for an half an hour, so I should be okay. I drank plenty of water before I came out."