Gov. Kay Ivey has appointed Dr. Lee Ellenburg as Alabama’s new State Climatologist, marking a leadership transition for the Alabama Office of the State Climatologist, housed within The University of Alabama in Huntsville’s Earth System Science Center.
Ellenburg succeeds Dr. John Christy, director of the Earth System Science Center, who has served as State Climatologist since 2000. The office serves as the state’s primary source for climate monitoring, analysis and information, supporting decision-making across agriculture, water resources, emergency management and infrastructure planning.
“I am deeply honored to be named the Alabama State Climatologist,” Ellenburg said. “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.”
Ellenburg has served as Associate State Climatologist since 2021 and has played a key role in the office’s research, operations and outreach efforts. A UAH alumnus with doctoral training in civil and environmental engineering, his work focuses on applied climate science, including drought preparedness, agricultural risk management, land surface hydrology and climate data applications.
During his tenure, Ellenburg has contributed to the expansion of statewide monitoring networks, including Alabama’s soil temperature and moisture monitoring system, enhanced drought outreach initiatives and strengthened collaboration with agencies such as the Alabama Office of Water Resources, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Alabama Forestry Commission.
He also serves as principal investigator on multiple federally funded projects related to drought monitoring, water resource management and agricultural resilience and has authored numerous peer-reviewed research papers and applied climate products used throughout the Southeast.
Established as a critical resource for the state, the Alabama Office of the State Climatologist produces climate summaries, drought assessments and monitoring tools, including the widely used Lawn and Garden Moisture Index. The office also serves as Alabama’s lead contributor to the U.S. Drought Monitor and works closely with state and federal partners, including NASA and the National Weather Service.
As State Climatologist, Ellenburg will continue efforts to provide reliable climate observations and actionable information for farmers, water managers, emergency responders, policymakers and communities across Alabama.
“By maintaining a strong foundation in objective science and stakeholder engagement, the office will continue to serve as a trusted resource for all Alabamians,” Ellenburg said.
