This study investigates the effect of water vapor associated with mineral dust aerosols on atmospheric radiative heating rates using ground-based lidar, aircraft, radiosonde measurements and a radiation model during Asian dust events in the spring of 2001. We found enhanced levels of water vapor within the dust layer relative to the air above and below the dust layer. The water vapor led to an increase in the net radiative heating rate within the dust layer, changing the heating rate vertical structure. A net cooling was calculated above the dust layer as a result of low aerosol and drier conditions. Our finding suggests that the presence of water vapor within dust layer acts to enhance the temperature of this layer, potentially influencing the static stability of the dust layer. This finding is supported by an increase in the potential temperature at the top and bottom of the dust layer.