Back-to-back powerful Pacific storm systems to impact the Pacific Northwest and northern California through the end of this week with heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, and higher elevation mountain snow. A strong, long-duration atmospheric river will accompany the Pacific storms, bringing excessive rainfall and flash flooding to southwest Oregon and northwest California through the week. Read More >
Clinton Wallace
Director, Space Weather Prediction Center
National Weather Service
Clinton Wallace is a distinguished leader in space weather and meteorology, serving as the director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) since March 2019. He oversees the operational delivery of critical space weather information, enabling infrastructure operators and decision-makers to take proactive measures to protect health, mitigate damage, reduce downtime, and ensure the continuity of essential services. Wallace's leadership also extends to scientific research, international cooperation, and strategy development to address global space weather challenges.
Wallace has been instrumental in fostering collaboration between the U.S. government, commercial entities, and academia, promoting a Space Weather-Ready Nation. He emphasizes the transition of research advancements into operational tools, ensuring that new scientific insights are quickly incorporated into practical forecasting and infrastructure preparedness. His tenure at SWPC is marked by significant advancements in space weather prediction, including the integration of various space weather models into a comprehensive forecasting tool.
Under his direction, SWPC has also focused on education and public outreach, raising awareness about the importance of space weather and its impact on critical infrastructure. Wallace's efforts have led to the adoption of innovations and technologies that enhance space weather prediction and preparedness.
Wallace holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics and Mathematics from Northeastern State University and a Master’s degree in Meteorology from the University of Oklahoma. His early career included research roles at the National Severe Storms Laboratory, where he contributed to studies on thunderstorm environments in the southwest United States and participated in the Verification of the Origins of Tornado Experiment (VORTEX).
In 1998, Wallace began his NWS career at the Climate Prediction Center as an Agricultural Weather Analyst. He later joined the NOAA NWS Aviation Weather Center (AWC) as a Research & Development Meteorologist in 1999, focusing on improving aviation safety and efficiency through scientific innovations. He served as the Chief of the Aviation Support Branch from 2003 to 2010 and as the deputy director of AWC, advancing decision support products and services that enhanced aviation weather forecasts.
Wallace's career is marked by a commitment to leveraging broad expertise, fostering a culture of excellence, and continuously improving both terrestrial and space weather prediction to safeguard society.