An attempt to derive downward longwave radiation at the surface in clear sky conditions is presented. A method that integrates satellite-measured infrared radiation temperatures with ground measurements of water vapour pressure is applied to Meteosat data. Satellite-derived fluxes are compared with corresponding ground-measured fluxes at three different sites in France and during various seasons. Comparison of the daily averaged fluxes shows a correlation coefficient of 0–88 and an r.m.s. difference between satellite estimates and ground measurements of 12 Wm-2.