An improved analytical model for the description of the anode contraction zone of a high intensity arc takes radiation effects into account. The conservation equations for the anode contraction zone and the adjacent undisturbed arc column are solved numerically with a relaxation method. Results for atmospheric pressure argon arcs at three different currents demonstrate that radiation losses reduce temperature peaks substantially and, at the same time, provide a smooth matching of arc column and contraction zone solutions. Although the model seems to be adequate for a large portion of the anode contraction zone, the results indicate that refinements of the model are necessary for the region close to the anode, in particular, deviations from LTE have to be taken into account.