Summary: Numerical simulations of counterflow premixed flames with flame curvature were carried out. To impart a flame curvature, the premixed gas was ejected from the nozzle with axial velocities varying in the transverse direction. The influence of the flame curvature, unsteady behaviour and flame structure on local extinction was investigated. The heat release rate began to fall immediately after the ejection velocity was changed from the surroundings, which was followed by local extinction. However, the flame recovered since it propagated from the surroundings. Experimental data obtained from simultaneous OH-HCHO planar laser-induced fluorescence were in good agreement with the numerical results.