Scouting/BSA/Weather Merit Badge

The requirements to this merit badge are copyrighted by the Boy Scouts of America. They are reproduced in part here under fair use as a resource for Scouts and Scouters to use in the earning and teaching of merit badges. The requirements published by the Boy Scouts of America should always be used over the list here. If in doubt about the accuracy of a requirement, consult your Merit Badge Counselor.

Reading this page does not satisfy any requirement for any merit badge. Per National regulations, the only person who may sign off on requirements is a Merit Badge Counselor, duly registered and authorized by the local Council. To obtain a list of registered Merit Badge Counselors, or to begin a Merit Badge, please contact your Scoutmaster or Council Service Center.

Above-normal temperatures in Europe in 2003

Requirement 1

Define meteorology. Explain what weather is and what climate is. Discuss how the weather affects farmers, sailors, aviators, and the outdoor construction industry. Tell why weather forecasts are important to each of these groups.

Requirement 2

Name five dangerous weather-related conditions. Give the safety rules for each when outdoors and explain the difference between a severe weather watch and a warning. Discuss the safety rules with your family.

Requirement 3

Explain the difference between high and low pressure systems in the atmo­sphere. Tell which is related to good and to poor weather. Draw cross sections of a cold front and a warm front, showing the location and movements of the cold and warm air, the frontal slope, the location and types of clouds associated with each type of front, and the location of precipitation.

Requirement 4

Tell what causes wind, why it rains, and how lightning and hail are formed.

Requirement 5

Identify and describe clouds in the low, middle, and upper levels of the atmosphere. Relate these to specific types of weather.

Requirement 6

Draw a diagram of the water cycle and label its major processes. Explain the water cycle to your counselor.

Requirement 7

Identify some human activities that can alter the environment, and describe how they affect the climate and people.

Requirement 8

Describe how the tilt of Earth's axis helps determine the climate of a region near the equator, near the poles, and across the area in between.

Requirement 9

Do ONE of the following:

A. Make one of the following instruments: wind vane, anemometer, rain gauge, hygrometer. Keep a daily weather log for one week using information from this instrument as well as from other sources such as local radio and television stations, NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, and Internet sources (with your parent's permission). Record the following information at the same time every day: wind direction and speed, temperature, precipitation, and types of clouds. Be sure to make a note of any morning dew or frost. In the log, also list the weather forecasts from radio or television at the same time each day and show how the weather really turned out.

B. Visit a National Weather Service office or talk with a local radio or television weathercaster, private meteorologist, local agricultural extension service officer, or university meteorology instructor. Find out what type of weather is most dangerous or damaging to your community. Determine how severe weather and flood warnings reach the homes in your community.

Requirement 10

Do ONE of the following:

A. Give a talk of at least five minutes to a group (such as your unit or a Cub Scout pack) explaining the outdoor safety rules in the event of lightning, flash floods, and tornadoes. Before your talk, share your outline with your counselor for approval.

B. Read several articles about acid rain and give a prepared talk of at least five minutes to a group (such as your unit or a Cub Scout pack) about the articles. Before your talk, share your outline with your counselor for approval.

Requirement 11

Find out about a weather-related career opportunity that interests you. Discuss with and explain to your counselor what training and education are required for such a position, and the responsibilities required of such a position.

External links

• Weather Merit Badge with Workbook PDF, current requirements, and resources.
• Student section of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
• Student resources from the American Meteorological Society
• Career Options for Meteorologists from the NSSL National Severe Storms Laboratory