A Raman scattering system based on a commercially available, high power flashlamp‐pumped dye laser is presented. Single‐pulse measurements of the temperature and major species concentrations in a stable laminar methane/air flame and in a weakly turbulent H2/air diffusion flame have been performed to assess the measuring precision and detection efficiency of this system. The problem of spatial resolution is discussed and — in this context — the advantages of combined Raman/2D LIF measurements are demonstrated.