Abstract An instrument that remotely senses the integrated amounts of water vapor and liquid on a path through the atmosphere is discussed. The vapor and liquid are measured simultaneously but independently by microwave radiometers. Comparison of the accuracy in measurement of vapor is made with radiosondes, and of liquid with an independent method employing transmission from a geosynchronous satellite. The instrument is designed for unattended operation; examples of measured data are given. Applications including observations for weather forecasting, weather modification, solar-radiation studies, and instrumentation for geodetic metrology are also discussed.