Simultaneous Rayleigh scattering and CH planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) measurements near the stabilization region of a lifted methane-air diffusion flame are presented. The goals of this investigation are to establish flow patterns responsible for complete breaks in the CH profile that indicate local flame extinction and evaluate the stabilization mechanisms over a range of how conditions. Considerable attention has been given to vortex-flame interactions as a primary extinction mechanism of turbulent diffusion dames. The existence of holes in the flame zone is thought to result from the radial penetration of the flame by vortices from the internal fuel jet. In this investigation, Rayleigh scattering is used as a qualitative indication of gas temperature, thereby providing valuable information about the fluid near regions of local extinction, as indicated by well-defined breaks in the CH layer. The extent of premixedness in the region upstream from the CH structure is also assessed from the Rayleigh signal level. Furthermore, the roles of premixedness in flame stabilization, the nature of the leading edge, and lift-off height oscillation are discussed.