A detailed investigation of the vertical structure of rain and of the characteristics of the 0°C isotherm height in both rainy and non‐rainy conditions has been carried out in connection with the prediction of rain attenuation on Earth‐satellite links. Radiosonde data have been analysed for eight and nine locations in the southern and northern hemispheres, respectively. The temporal, latitudinal variations and the relationship between the 0°C isotherm height and ground meteorological parameters such as rainfall, temperature and relative humidity, are reported. The equivalent rain height measured along the Earth‐satellite link is compared with the heights obtained from meteorological data.

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