After nearly 40 years, an era of climate expertise is coming to an end at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and the state.

Dr. John Christy, distinguished professor of Atmospheric Science and director of UAH’s Earth System Science Center, is retiring from UAH and as the state climatologist in July. He began studying global climate issues in 1987 at UAH and, since November 2000, has been Alabama’s State Climatologist.

“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 in that role where we advocated for enhanced economic development based on Alabama’s abundant natural climate resources,” said Christy.

And Gov. Kay Ivey didn’t have far to look far for Christy’s successor. She appointed Associate State Climatologist Dr. Lee Ellenburg, a UAH alum, to succeed Christy.

“Dr. Ellenburg has already taken the lead on these activities and, with his appointment, the governor has assured continued progress for the state,” Christy said.

Dr. Lee Ellenburg has been appointed State Climatologist, succeeding Dr. John Christy (UAH Photo)

“I am deeply honored to be named the Alabama State Climatologist,” said Ellenburg, who has served as associate state climatologist since 2021. “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.”

With doctoral training in civil and environmental engineering, he focuses on applied climate science that supports real-world decision making.

There are also reports that Christy’s long-time associate, Dr. Roy Spencer, will retire in the coming months.

In October 2024, Spencer hinted at his own retirement. In his blog, he wrote, “John Christy will be retiring from UAH July 2026. Because my funding has been tied to his projects (including the Alabama Office of the State Climatologist, which he heads), there is a good chance I will also be retiring on or before that date.”

Spencer and Christy were the “dynamic duo” of climate and weather studies.

In 1989, Spencer (then a NASA/Marshall scientist and now a principal research scientist at UAH) and Christy developed a global temperature data set from microwave data observed from satellites beginning in 1979. For this achievement, the Spencer-Christy team was awarded NASA’s Medal for Exceptional Scientific Achievement in 1991.

In 1996, they received a Special Award by the American Meteorological Society “for developing a global, precise record of earth’s temperature from operational polar-orbiting satellites, fundamentally advancing our ability to monitor climate.”

The state climatologist office supports decision-making in agriculture, water resources, emergency management, forestry and infrastructure planning by producing climate summaries, drought assessments and monitoring tools that help translate data into practical context.

The office is also Alabama’s lead contributor to the U.S. Drought Monitor and provides direct input to state drought planning through coordination with water resource managers and emergency response partners.

“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

Ellenburg’s experience spans drought preparedness, agricultural risk management, land surface hydrology and climate data applications, with an emphasis on developing tools that are usable by agencies and communities.

He has contributed to the development of statewide monitoring networks, including Alabama’s soil temperature and moisture monitoring system, expanded drought outreach and assessment efforts.

Ellenburg also helped strengthen collaboration with the Alabama Office of Water Resources, the Alabama Department of Agriculture, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Alabama Forestry Commission.