A fast response probe is used to measure local heat transfer in a bubble column. It captured the variations in local heat transfer coefficients due to changes in local hydrodynamic conditions in radial and axial directions. These measurements have been used to identify flow regime transitions, variations in flow patterns and local hydrodynamic structure as obtained with different gas distributors and varying gas velocity. Standard deviations of pressure measurements obtained with a fast response probe have been compared with heat transfer coefficient fluctuations for the first time and the similarities and differences have been pointed out. Variations in average heat transfer coefficients and standard deviations in radial and axial directions point to different hydrodynamic conditions and are compared with literature studies. Relationships between local heat transfer measurements and hydrodynamic conditions are shown. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier Ltd.