A predicative model has been developed to study the processes of high-temperature heating and evaporation of water droplets, taking into account the main interconnected processes of heat transfer and phase transformations. Typical profiles of temperature and velocity in the system "high-temperature gases - a droplet of water" are established when the temperature of the external gas medium varies from 100 to 800 0С. Various statements of the problem are considered, which differ substantially in the type of processes and factors taken into account. The analysis of temperature regimes of heating and evaporation of water droplets is carried out, at which simplified models can be used, and in which all complex interrelated processes of heat and mass transfer (including convective, conductive and radiant heat transfer in droplets, and also in the near-surface vapor-gas layer) need to be taken into account.