Alabama Office of the State Climatologist From the hills of Appalachia to the Gulf, Alabama is one of the most biologically diverse states in the nation. In fact, our state is often called “America’s Amazon,” a nickname rooted in the remarkable variety of landscapes, ecosystems, and climates found within its borders. Even as you drive the 300 miles from the Tennessee border to the Gulf, you can watch the landscape change from mountains to fertile plains to sandy coastlines. Alabama also boasts abundant water resources, with more than 132,000 miles of rivers and streams and global hotspots for several aquatic species (Alabama’s River Alliance). This diversity is one of Alabama’s greatest strengths. It supports unique plant and animal species, provides natural resources that drive our economy and recreation, and creates stunning landscapes. While Alabama’s landscapes are diverse, its climates are equally varied. Although the state as a whole has a humid subtropical climate, rainfall and temperature trends differ as you move across the physical landscape. These regional differences shape the climate patterns we experience and influence a wide range of impacts like severe weather, flooding, drought, and hurricanes. Understanding how these patterns have changed over time, and how they may change in the future, is essential for informed planning and decision making. The Role of The Alabama Office of the State Climatologist The Alabama Office of the State Climatologist, often referred to as the AOSC, provides reliable weather and climate information to communities, stakeholders, state agencies, and decision makers across Alabama. Through climate expertise, applied research, and public-facing climate services, our office works to improve the understanding of Alabama’s climate. The AOSC was established in 1978 to meet the growing demand for state-specific climate information and has been shaped over time by leaders dedicated to research, data stewardship, and public service. Early leadership from Eugene A. Carter, Dr. Richard McNider and Dr. John Christy helped build a strong foundation that continues to guide the office today under the current State Climatologist, Dr. Lee Ellenburg. Under his leadership, the office is expanding its focus on applied research, climate services, and public engagement, ensuring that Alabamians have access to the climate information they need to understand changing conditions and plan for the future. The AOSC is Dedicated to Serving Alabama Alabama’s diverse climate affects communities across the state in many ways, from daily weather impacts to long-term planning decisions. We help translate climate data into information that is useful, reliable, and accessible. Below is an overview of what our office does and how that work supports Alabama. Climate Expertise and Partnerships We work closely with partners across Alabama and the Southeast to ensure climate information is accurate, timely, and relevant. We are an active member of the Alabama Drought Assessment and Planning Team, which helps assess statewide drought conditions and supports updates to the Alabama Drought Plan in coordination with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Office of Water Resources. Our office also provides weather and climate data to organizations that rely on this information to serve the public, including but not limited to the Alabama Forestry Commission, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, and the National Weather Service. We also collaborate with regional and national partners such as NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), the NOAA NIDIS Southeast Drought Early Warning System, and the Southeast Regional Climate Center to provide Alabama specific information to the greater Southeast region. These partnerships help place Alabama’s climate conditions in a broader regional context and support informed decision making. Applied Research We conduct applied research focused on climate challenges that directly affect Alabama communities. By focusing on real-world applications, our work helps translate climate data into practical insights that support planning, preparedness, and risk management. Examples of this work include: Global Temperature Report: A monthly overview of global and regional tropospheric temperatures using microwave measurements observed from satellites. The report summarizes current conditions and notable temperature extremes worldwide. First developed in 1989 by Dr. John Christy and Dr. Roy Spencer, this pioneering dataset was the first global temperature record of its kind and has received national recognition for fundamentally advancing climate monitoring. This is a cornerstone achievement of our office and was awarded the NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal in 1991. Lawn and Garden Moisture Index: A regional product created and designed by the AOSC to evaluate whether current soil moisture conditions are suitable for supporting shallow-rooted vegetation across the Southeast. Drought and climate research: Studies of short-term, long-term, and flash drought, and how these events impact agriculture, forestry, water resources, and communities across the state. Soil temperature and soil moisture analysis: Statewide monitoring using a network of sensors across Alabama, including sensors developed in-house through the STEMMNet program, to better understand ground-level conditions and emerging drought signals. Climate Services We provide public-facing climate services designed to keep Alabamians informed about current conditions and emerging trends. We are committed to sharing climate information in ways that are clear, inclusive, and accessible, with a focus on thoughtful design and plain-language communication. Some of our climate services include: Weekly Alabama drought updates: Straightforward summaries that explain where drought is occurring, how conditions have changed from the previous week, and what may happen next based on short-term forecasts. Monthly Alabama Climate Reports: Clear overviews of statewide temperature, precipitation, and climate conditions, supported by well-designed visuals and graphics. Alabama Climate Observation Network: An interactive dashboard that brings together weather station data from across the state, allowing users to explore local and regional conditions. (In Development) Alabama Drought Dashboard: A data exploration tool that displays soil moisture conditions using both historical and near real-time information from multiple sensor networks. (In Development) AOSC website: Hosted under the umbrella of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, the AOSC website serves as the central hub for viewing current and archived materials, learning more about Alabama’s climate, and finding contact information for our office. A Practical Guide to Climate Change in Alabama: Originally authored by Dr. Christy and now maintained by the AOSC office, this guide is one of the few comprehensive written resources dedicated to documenting Alabama’s climate. The guide provides valuable context for understanding how the state’s climate has changed over time and is an important reference for researchers, decision makers, and the public.
