National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Scattered Severe Thunderstorms Across the Northern Plains; Fire Weather Concerns in the Western U.S.

Scattered severe thunderstorms are forecast across central and eastern North Dakota, as well as far northwest Minnesota Saturday (Slight Risk level 2 of 5). Damaging wind gusts are the primary threat. Elevated to critical fire weather conditions will persist through the weekend across the Western U.S. Isolated dry thunderstorms could lead to new fire starts over portions of the northern Rockies. Read More >

Clinton Wallace




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.

Back to NWS Biographies Page