Founded in 1976, the American Association of State Climatologists
is a professional scientific organization composed of state climatologists
(one per state), directors of the six Regional Climate Centers and
associate members who are persons interested in the goals and activities
of the Association. State Climatologists are individuals who have
been identified by a state entity as the state's climatologist and
who are also recognized by the Director of the National Climatic Data
Center (NCDC) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
as the state climatologist of a particular state.
State Climatologists currently exist in 47 states and Puerto Rico.
They are typically either employees of state agencies or are staff
members of state-supported universities. Associate members may be
assistant state climatologists or other climatologists under the employ
of the state climatologist; representatives of federal climate agencies;
retired state climatologists; or others interested in climate services.
The total membership of the Association is approximately 150.
Members work closely with other climate services partners including
NCDC, the NOAA Regional Climate Centers, and the National Weather
Service. A strong partnership with these organizations is being nourished.
This activity helps provide improved climate services for the nation
through greater integration of data quality control, improved communication
among the sector, and more coordinated referral of customer inquiries.