Dr. Lee Ellenburg in his office at the UAH Earth System Science Center.
Alabama is one of the most biologically diverse states in the nation, often called “America’s Amazon” for its wide range of landscapes, ecosystems, and climates. Climate shapes everyday life across the state, from how water is managed to how communities prepare for severe weather. For nearly 50 years, the Alabama Office of the State Climatologist (AOSC) has worked to provide reliable environmental and climate information that helps Alabamians better understand these connections and make informed choices.
Our office is housed at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, where we work at the intersection of science and service. We focus on turning climate data into information people can actually use, whether that means answering questions from the public, supporting state agencies, or helping communities plan for the future.
Dr. Lee Ellenburg now serves as Alabama’s State Climatologist, succeeding Dr. John Christy, who has led the office since 2000. During his tenure, Dr. Christy helped strengthen the AOSC as a trusted source of climate information and guided the office through many of the climate challenges facing the state.
"It was an honor for me to succeed Dr. Richard McNider as State Climatologist, and with his continued help we saw many areas during my 25 years where we advocated for enhanced economic development based on Alabama’s abundant natural climate resources. Dr. Ellenburg has already taken the lead on these activities, and with his appointment, the Governor has assured continued progress for the State.” - Dr. John Christy
Dr. Ellenburg has served as Associate State Climatologist since 2021 and is a UAH alumnus with a background in civil and environmental engineering. His work emphasizes practical, observation-based climate science and clear communication, with a focus on making climate information easier to understand and apply.
At the AOSC, our commitment is to Alabama and the people who live and work here. We are grateful for the support of our partners and the public, and we take seriously our responsibility to provide clear and objective climate information. Under Dr. Ellenburg’s leadership, we look forward to continuing that work and serving the state in the years ahead.
Dr. Ellenburg working with the Alabama Forestry Commission to study soil moisture trends during a prescribed burn.
Message from Dr. Lee Ellenburg, Alabama State Climatologist
I am deeply honored to be named the Alabama State Climatologist. Serving Alabama in this role allows me to bring more than a decade of applied climate and water research into direct service of the state. This work supports water resources, agriculture, hazard preparedness, and long-term climate resilience.
I follow in very large footsteps. Drs. John Christy and Dick McNider shaped not only Alabama’s State Climate Office but also a philosophy of applied science grounded in observation, rigor, and relevance. They demonstrated how careful measurements and objective analysis can be translated into practical tools for real-world decision-making, a legacy that continues to guide my work.
My connection to Alabama is personal as well as professional. I have lived in Alabama my entire life. Growing up in Baileyton, where my father owned a nursery, I saw firsthand how climate variability affects livelihoods. Events such as the 2007 drought, compounded by a damaging late frost, were not abstract climate statistics. They were lived experiences that shaped my understanding of risk, resilience, and the importance of timely, trustworthy climate information.
Although my career has taken me across the world, I always knew that my work would ultimately lead me back to Alabama. One of my favorite authors, Wendell Berry, often writes about how a sense of place is integral to understanding the world around us. He writes: “Action can only be understood in relation to place; only by staying in place can the imagination conceive or understand action in terms of consequence, of cause and effect. The meaning of action in time is inseparable from its meaning in place.” My commitment to this role is grounded in that belief—that our work is most meaningful when it is rooted in place and accountable to the communities it serves.
Looking ahead, my goal for the Alabama Office of the State Climatologist is to continue strengthening its support for Alabama’s farmers, water managers, emergency responders, policymakers, and communities by delivering reliable observations, actionable products, and decision-relevant services. By maintaining a strong foundation in objective science and stakeholder engagement, the office will continue to serve as a trusted resource for all Alabamians.
-Dr. Lee Ellenburg
Dr. Ellenburg installing soil moisture sensors in a partnering farm. We appreciate continued partnerships like these.
Stay connected with the AOSC
We invite you to stay engaged with the Alabama Office of the State Climatologist:
- Visit our updated AOSC website to learn more about us
- Read our blogs, weekly drought updates, and monthly climate reports
- Join our newsletter for regular updates on Alabama’s climate
If you have questions, need help finding climate data, or are interested in speaking with our team, please contact us at aosc@uah.edu. We look forward to hearing from you and serving Alabama together.
This article includes contributions from Paola Pinto, [Research Associate | Earth System Science Center].
