Weather Merit Badge

Free Resources and Answers

Time: 2–4 weeks
Difficulty: Moderate
Setting: Outdoor observation, indoor study
Best For: Scouts interested in weather, science, forecasting
Hands-On Level: Moderate
Eagle Required: No

When you work on the Weather Merit Badge, you learn to understand what is happening in the sky. You study clouds, wind, air pressure, and other signs that help you explain why weather changes. These skills help you make better choices when you spend time outdoors.

You also learn how to prepare for severe weather. You study thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other weather hazards. Knowing what to watch for can help you react quickly and keep yourself and others safe during campouts and other activities.

The Weather Merit Badge also gives you practice observing and recording weather. You track conditions, look for patterns, and learn how forecasts are made. By the time you finish, you will have useful skills for planning outdoor activities and staying prepared when the weather changes.

The requirements for the Weather merit badge were updated on January 1, 2026.

Weather Merit Badge Requirements

Weather Merit Badge Pamphlet

Weather Merit Badge Printable Requirement Check Off Sheet

Checklist for All Merit Badges

Help with Answers for Weather Merit Badge Requirements

Find specific helps for some of the Weather merit badge requirements listed below. Some of these resources will just give the answers. Others will provide engaging ways for older Scouts to introduce these concepts to new Scouts.

• Requirement 1: Weather and Climate Basics
• Requirement 2: Severe Weather Safety
• Requirement 3: Weather Forecasts
• Requirement 4: Pressure Systems and Fronts
• Requirement 5: Wind, Rain, Lightning
• Requirement 6: Cloud Types and Weather
• Requirement 7: Water Cycle Diagram
• Requirement 8: Human Impact on Climate
• Requirement 9: Earth’s Tilt and Climate
• Requirement 10: Weather Project or Visit
• Requirement 11: Safety Talk Presentation
• Requirement 12: Weather Career Exploration
• More Resources

Requirement 1: Weather and Climate Basics

What You Need To Do

Define meteorology, weather, and climate. Describe how weather affects farmers, sailors, aviators, and outdoor construction workers, and why forecasts matter to each group.

Helpful Tips

• Meteorology is the science of the atmosphere and weather.
• Weather is the condition of the atmosphere at a certain time and place.
• Weather includes temperature, wind, clouds, rain, snow, and other conditions.
• Climate is the usual weather pattern of an area over many years.
• Farmers use forecasts to plan planting, watering, harvesting, and protection from frost or storms.
• Sailors use forecasts to prepare for strong winds, waves, storms, and poor visibility.
• Aviators use forecasts to plan for wind, clouds, storms, ice, and other flight conditions.
• Outdoor construction workers use forecasts to plan around rain, wind, heat, cold, and lightning.
• Good forecasts help these groups improve safety, reduce delays, and protect people, crops, equipment, and property.
• Be ready to give clear examples of how one weather event could affect each group.

Resources

• What is Meteorology? (video)
• Weather vs Climate (video)

Leader Tips

• Ask Scouts to give real examples from their own area.
• Use a current or recent forecast to make the discussion practical.
• Guide Scouts to compare short-term weather with long-term climate.
• Let Scouts explain each job group in their own words.

Requirement 2: Severe Weather Safety

What You Need To Do

Name five dangerous weather conditions and give the outdoor safety rules for each one. Explain the difference between a severe weather watch and a warning, then discuss these safety rules with your family.

Helpful Tips

• Lightning: Go inside a sturdy building or hard-topped vehicle when you hear thunder. Stay away from trees, metal objects, and open areas.
• Flash floods: Move to higher ground right away. Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater.
• Tornadoes: Go to a basement or small interior room on the lowest floor. Stay away from windows and protect your head.
• Blizzards: Wear dry layers and avoid travel. If stranded in a vehicle, stay with the vehicle and keep the exhaust pipe clear.
• Extreme heat: Drink plenty of water and take breaks in shade or air conditioning. Avoid hard activity during the hottest part of the day.
• Hurricanes: Follow evacuation orders and stay away from windows. Remain sheltered until officials report the danger has passed.
• Freezing rain: Avoid travel when possible. Watch for icy ground, roads, trees, and power lines.
• High winds: Go to a sturdy shelter. Stay away from trees, power lines, signs, and loose objects.
• A watch means dangerous weather is possible. Be ready to act.
• A warning means dangerous weather is happening or will happen soon. Take action right away.
• Choose at least five conditions and be ready to give the safety rules for each.
• Review the same safety rules with your family.

Resources

• What Would You Do? Weather Safety Game (website)
• Severe Weather Safety (video)
• Know the Difference Between a Watch and a Warning (video)
• Winter’s Hidden Hazard – Cold Weather Health & Safety (video)
• Hurricane Preparation and Safety (video)

Leader Tips

• Let each Scout choose five weather hazards to cover.
• Use local weather risks when possible.
• Ask Scouts to match each hazard with the safest action.
• Encourage Scouts to take the family discussion seriously and include emergency plans.

Requirement 3: Forecasts and Weather Warnings

What You Need To Do

Identify at least two weather forecast sources for hikes, campouts, and other outdoor activities. Name two sources for emergency weather warnings at home and during Scout activities.

Helpful Tips

• The National Weather Service provides local forecasts, radar, watches, and warnings.
• A weather app can provide updated forecasts before and during a trip.
• Use trusted sources with current weather data and emergency alerts.
• Check the forecast before leaving for an outdoor activity.
• Check again during the trip because weather conditions can change.
• Look at temperature, rain, wind, storms, and other conditions that could affect the activity.
• A NOAA Weather Radio can provide emergency warnings at home or camp.
• Wireless Emergency Alerts can send warnings to compatible cell phones.
• Outdoor groups should have more than one way to receive emergency warnings.
• Cell service may be limited in remote areas, so plan for another warning source.

Resources

• The Best Weather App? (video)
• Ways To Get Warnings (video)
• National Weather Service (website)

Leader Tips

• Ask Scouts which forecast sources they already use.
• Have Scouts compare two forecasts for the same location.
• Discuss warning methods that still work when power or cell service fails.
• Encourage a specific person to monitor weather during every outdoor activity.

Requirement 4: Pressure Systems and Fronts

What You Need To Do

Explain how high-pressure and low-pressure systems differ and which type usually brings fair or poor weather. Draw cross sections of a cold front and a warm front with air movement, slope, clouds, and precipitation.

Helpful Tips

• Air pressure is the force of air pressing down on Earth.
• High-pressure systems have sinking air.
• High pressure usually brings clear skies and fair weather.
• Low-pressure systems have rising air.
• Low pressure often brings clouds, wind, rain, or storms.
• A cold front forms when cold air pushes under warm air.
• Cold fronts have a steep slope.
• Cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds often form near cold fronts.
• Heavy rain or storms often fall along or just ahead of a cold front.
• A warm front forms when warm air moves up and over cold air.
• Warm fronts have a gentle slope.
• Layered clouds such as stratus and nimbostratus often form with warm fronts.
• Light, steady precipitation may begin well ahead of a warm front.
• Label the cold air and warm air on both drawings.
• Use arrows to show the direction each air mass moves.
• Show the frontal slope, cloud types, and location of precipitation.

Resources

• What Are Weather Fronts? Warm Front, Cold Front? (video)
• Weather 101: High Pressure vs. Low Pressure (video)

Leader Tips

• Have Scouts compare the two front drawings side by side.
• Ask them to point out the steep and gentle slopes.
• Use arrows and labels to make air movement clear.
• Check each drawing for all parts listed in the requirement.

Requirement 5: Wind, Rain, Lightning, and Hail

What You Need To Do

Describe what causes wind and rain. Give the basic steps for how lightning and hail form.

Helpful Tips

• Wind is moving air.
• Air moves from areas of higher pressure toward areas of lower pressure.
• Bigger pressure differences usually create stronger winds.
• Rain begins when moist air rises and cools.
• Water vapor condenses into tiny droplets around small particles in the air.
• The droplets grow as they join with other droplets.
• Rain falls when the drops become too heavy to stay in the cloud.
• Lightning forms when electrical charges build up in a storm cloud.
• A discharge of electricity between opposite charges creates a lightning flash.
• Lightning may occur within a cloud, between clouds, or between a cloud and the ground.
• Thunder comes from air heating and expanding very quickly around a lightning bolt.
• Hail forms inside strong thunderstorms.
• Powerful updrafts carry water drops into very cold parts of the cloud.
• The drops freeze and may grow as more water freezes onto them.
• Hail falls when the stones become too heavy for the updraft to hold.

Resources

• What Creates Weather? (video)
• What Causes Lightning? (video)
• What is Hail? (video)

Leader Tips

• Use simple diagrams to show each process.
• Have Scouts explain each weather event in the correct order.
• Use real weather examples when possible.
• Check for clear cause-and-effect answers instead of memorized definitions.

Requirement 6: Cloud Types and Weather

What You Need To Do

Identify and describe clouds found at low, middle, and high levels of the atmosphere. Connect each cloud type with the weather it often brings.

Helpful Tips

• High-level clouds usually form above 20,000 feet.
• Cirrus clouds are thin and wispy. They often appear before a change in weather.
• Cirrostratus clouds form a thin sheet over the sky. They can create a halo around the sun or moon.
• Cirrocumulus clouds look like small white patches or rows. They may appear before changing weather.
• Middle-level clouds usually form from about 6,500 to 20,000 feet.
• Altostratus clouds are gray or blue-gray sheets. They often come before steady rain or snow.
• Altocumulus clouds look like patches or rows of rounded clouds. They may be linked with later storms.
• Low-level clouds usually form below about 6,500 feet.
• Stratus clouds form a flat gray layer. They may bring drizzle or light rain.
• Stratocumulus clouds are low, lumpy clouds. They usually bring little or no heavy rain.
• Nimbostratus clouds are dark and thick. They bring steady rain or snow.
• Cumulus clouds are puffy with flat bases. Small cumulus clouds often come with fair weather.
• Cumulonimbus clouds grow tall through several levels of the atmosphere.
• Cumulonimbus clouds can bring thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning, hail, strong winds, and tornadoes.
• Use cloud height, shape, and color to help identify each type.

Resources

• What Are the Different Types of Clouds? (video)

Leader Tips

• Use real cloud photos instead of relying only on drawings.
• Have Scouts sort cloud types by low, middle, and high levels.
• Take the group outside when possible and identify clouds in the current sky.
• Ask Scouts to connect each cloud type with the weather it often brings.

Requirement 7: Water Cycle Diagram

What You Need To Do

Draw and label the major parts of the water cycle. Use your diagram to describe how water moves through the air, land, plants, and bodies of water.

Helpful Tips

• Evaporation happens when liquid water changes into water vapor.
• The sun provides the heat that drives much of the water cycle.
• Transpiration happens when plants release water vapor from their leaves.
• Condensation happens when water vapor cools and forms tiny droplets.
• Clouds form from condensed water droplets or ice crystals.
• Precipitation includes rain, snow, sleet, and hail.
• Runoff is water that flows across the ground into streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans.
• Infiltration happens when water soaks into the ground.
• Groundwater is water stored below the surface.
• Collection happens when water gathers in oceans, lakes, rivers, and other places.
• Draw arrows to show how water moves from one part of the cycle to another.
• Label each major process clearly.
• Be ready to use the diagram while describing the full cycle.

Resources

• Printable Water Cycle Explanation (PDF)
• Water Cycle Demonstration (website)
• Easy Water Cycle Drawing (video)
• How Does Rain Form and What is the Water Cycle? (video)

Leader Tips

• Check the diagram before the Scout gives the explanation.
• Have the Scout follow the arrows while describing each step.
• Ask simple questions when a major process is missing.
• Encourage a clear diagram with labels large enough to read.

Requirement 8: Human Impact on Climate

What You Need To Do

Identify human activities that can change the environment. Describe how these activities can affect climate and people.

Helpful Tips

• Burning coal, oil, and gas adds greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.
• Greenhouse gases trap heat and can raise average temperatures.
• Cutting down forests removes trees that absorb carbon dioxide.
• Cities and roads can trap heat and make developed areas warmer than nearby land.
• Farming and large livestock operations can release methane and nitrous oxide.
• Landfills can produce methane as waste breaks down.
• Burning forests and grasslands releases carbon dioxide and smoke.
• Heavy water use can lower rivers, lakes, and groundwater supplies.
• Mining and drilling can damage land and add pollution to air and water.
• Climate changes can affect rainfall, drought, heat, flooding, wildfires, and sea levels.
• People may face risks to health, homes, food supplies, water supplies, and jobs.
• Use several clear examples and connect each activity to its effects.

Resources

• 10 Human Activities Heavily Impacting Climate Change (video)
• Causes and Effects of Climate Change (video)

Leader Tips

• Let Scouts choose examples they can clearly describe.
• Help them connect each activity with a climate effect and a human effect.
• Use local examples when possible.
• Keep the discussion focused on facts and clear cause-and-effect links.

Requirement 9: Earth’s Tilt and Climate

What You Need To Do

Describe how Earth’s tilted axis affects climate near the equator, near the poles, and in the regions between them.

Helpful Tips

• Earth’s axis is tilted about 23.5 degrees.
• The tilt changes the angle and amount of sunlight different regions receive.
• Areas near the equator receive more direct sunlight during the year.
• The equator stays warm with less change between seasons.
• Areas near the poles receive sunlight at a lower angle.
• The lower sun angle spreads energy over a larger area, so less heating occurs.
• Polar regions stay much colder than areas near the equator.
• The regions between the equator and poles are called temperate zones.
• Temperate zones have greater seasonal changes in sunlight and temperature.
• Most of the United States lies in the temperate zone.
• A hemisphere has summer when it is tilted toward the sun.
• A hemisphere has winter when it is tilted away from the sun.
• Earth’s tilt also changes the length of daylight during the year.
• Compare all three regions: equator, poles, and temperate zones.

Resources

• Why Do We Have Different Seasons? (video)
• Why Do We Have Different Climates Across the Globe? (video)

Leader Tips

• Use a globe and flashlight to show the angle of sunlight.
• Have Scouts compare direct sunlight with sunlight striking at a low angle.
• Ask Scouts to describe all three climate regions in their own words.
• Keep the focus on sunlight angle, seasons, and temperature patterns.

Requirement 10a: Build a Weather Instrument and Keep a Log

What You Need To Do

Build a wind vane, anemometer, rain gauge, or hygrometer. Keep a weather log for one week and compare daily forecasts with the weather that actually happens.

Helpful Tips

• A wind vane shows wind direction.
• An anemometer measures wind speed.
• A rain gauge measures the amount of precipitation.
• A hygrometer measures humidity in the air.
• Take your weather readings at the same time each day.
• Record wind direction and wind speed every day.
• Record the temperature and amount of precipitation.
• Identify the cloud types you see.
• Record any morning dew or frost.
• Write down a weather forecast from a trusted source each day.
• Use the same forecast source and time when possible.
• Later, record the weather that actually happened.
• Compare the forecast with the actual conditions.
• Keep all seven days of information in one clear log.

Resources

• Weather 101: Build Your Own Wind Vane! (video)
• DIY Anemometer (Measure Wind Speed) (video)
• How To Make a Rain Gauge (video)
• How To Make Your Own Hygrometer (video)

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout choose an instrument that can give useful daily readings.
• Check the log early in the week so missing information can be corrected.
• Guide the Scout to use the same recording time each day.
• Review the finished log and discuss forecast accuracy.

Requirement 10b: Visit or Interview a Weather Expert

What You Need To Do

Visit a weather office or talk with a person who works with weather. Find out which weather hazards cause the most danger or damage in your community and how warnings reach local homes.

Helpful Tips

• Possible contacts include a National Weather Service office or local weathercaster.
• A private meteorologist can also complete this option.
• Other choices include an agricultural extension officer or university meteorology instructor.
• Ask which weather events cause the most danger in your area.
• Ask which weather events cause the most property damage.
• Local risks may include tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, blizzards, heat, or severe thunderstorms.
• Ask how the National Weather Service sends watches and warnings.
• Wireless Emergency Alerts can send warnings to cell phones.
• The Emergency Alert System sends information through radio and television.
• NOAA Weather Radio can provide weather warnings at home.
• Some communities also use sirens, local alert systems, or emergency apps.
• Take notes during the visit or interview.
• Be ready to describe the main local weather risk.
• Be ready to describe how warnings reach homes in your community.

Resources

• Behind the Scenes of the National Weather Service Atlanta/Peachtree City (video)

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout find a suitable local contact when needed.
• Encourage the Scout to prepare questions before the visit or interview.
• Let the Scout lead the conversation and take notes.
• Check for clear information about both local hazards and warning systems.

Requirement 11: Weather Safety Talk

What You Need To Do

Prepare and give a talk of at least five minutes about outdoor safety during lightning, flash floods, and tornadoes. Share your outline with your counselor before giving the talk.

Helpful Tips

• Make an outline with an introduction, three weather hazards, and a conclusion.
• Give the outline to your merit badge counselor for approval before the talk.
• Lightning safety starts with moving to a sturdy building or hard-topped vehicle.
• When you hear thunder, seek shelter right away.
• Stay away from open fields, high ground, isolated trees, and metal objects during lightning.
• Flash floods can happen quickly and may come from rain falling far upstream.
• Never camp in a dry streambed or other low area that could flood.
• Move to higher ground when water starts rising.
• Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater.
• During a tornado warning, go to a basement or small interior room on the lowest floor.
• Stay away from windows and protect your head.
• Use clear examples and simple safety steps during the talk.
• Practice ahead of time so the talk lasts at least five minutes.
• Speak loudly enough for the whole group to hear.

Leader Tips

• Review the outline before the Scout gives the talk.
• Guide the Scout to cover all three required weather hazards.
• Encourage practice without memorizing every word.
• Let the Scout lead the presentation and answer simple questions afterward.

Requirement 12: Weather Career Exploration

What You Need To Do

Explore careers connected to weather and choose one to research. Find information about the work, education, training, costs, pay, job outlook, and chances for advancement, then discuss your findings with your counselor.

Helpful Tips

• Start by looking at several careers related to weather.
• Choose one career that interests you.
• Find the main job duties for that career.
• Research the education and training required.
• Include the cost of the needed education or training.
• Find current information about salary or typical pay.
• Look for information about future job opportunities.
• Find ways a person can move into higher positions or added responsibilities.
• Use reliable websites, books, interviews, or workplace visits.
• Get permission from a parent or guardian before using the internet or arranging an interview or visit.
• Keep notes and record where you found your information.
• Be ready to discuss what makes the career interesting to you.

Careers To Explore

• Meteorologist
• Broadcast meteorologist
• National Weather Service forecaster
• Research scientist
• Weather technician
• Emergency manager
• Agricultural meteorologist
• Aviation weather specialist
• Hydrologist
• Climate scientist
• Oceanographer
• Air quality specialist
• Fire weather forecaster
• Weather educator

Resources

• Hurricane Hunter (video)
• Careers in Meteorology—National Weather Service Hurricanne Meteorologist (video)
• Careers in Meteorology—Broadcast Meteorology (video)
• Careers in Meteorology—Digital Meteorology (video)

Leader Tips

• Help the Scout choose a career with enough information available for solid research.
• Guide the Scout toward reliable and current sources.
• Ask questions about both the career facts and the Scout’s personal interest.
• Let the Scout lead the final discussion.

Wild Weather Adventure Game

The Wild Weather Adventure Game is a printable board game about weather. It was created by NASA and is designed to help Scouts learn through play. The game includes a large game board, question cards, and clear instructions. The questions are grouped by difficulty, so it works for all age levels. Most of the questions are multiple choice or true/false.

This game fits well with a weather-themed meeting or Weather merit badge workshop. It reinforces weather terms, safety, and science concepts in a fun way. Playing in teams also builds cooperation. Just print and cut the materials ahead of time so everything is ready to go.

Make a Tornado in a Bottle

The tornado in a bottle demonstration is a simple way to show how a vortex forms. When you spin the bottle, the water moves in a circle. This creates a funnel shape in the middle called a vortex. A tornado works the same way, with spinning air instead of water.

This activity is a great addition to any weather lesson. It helps Scouts see the power of swirling motion and how tornadoes form. You only need a clear bottle, water, glitter, and a few minutes of practice. It pairs well with lessons from the Weather merit badge and adds hands-on learning.

Science Program Feature for Scouts BSA

The Science troop program feature helps Scouts explore chemistry, physics, and life science in fun and hands-on ways. It includes meeting plans, activities, games, and ideas for larger events. Scouts learn how to ask questions, test ideas, and think like scientists.

This feature supports STEM learning and fits well with merit badges like the Weather merit badge. It gives Scouts a chance to build skills, try experiments, and understand science in the world around them. The mix of simple and advanced options makes it useful for all experience levels.

More Merit Badge Resources

The Weather merit badge helps Scouts understand how the atmosphere works and why conditions change. It fits well in the merit badge program because it teaches observation, simple science, and careful record-keeping. Scouts learn about clouds, storms, and forecasts. This adds a practical and useful topic to the wide range of merit badges and shows that Scouting includes skills connected to everyday life.

This badge also connects to others that explore nature and science. A Scout who enjoys Weather might also try Astronomy, Environmental Science, or Oceanography. These badges help Scouts see how different parts of the natural world connect. The variety lets them follow their curiosity.

Learn More about Scouts BSA

The Weather merit badge supports the larger Scouts BSA program by teaching awareness, responsibility, and steady thinking. Scouts learn to watch conditions, plan ahead, and prepare for changes. These habits support leadership and personal development.

It also supports citizenship. Scouts see how weather affects safety, travel, and community needs. They learn that paying attention to forecasts helps protect themselves and others. This encourages responsible choices in their troop and neighborhood.

What is the Weather merit badge about?

The Weather merit badge teaches Scouts how weather works. Scouts learn about clouds, storms, the water cycle, and weather safety. It also covers how to observe and record the weather.

Do I need to make a weather tool for the Weather merit badge?

Yes. One option is to build a tool like a wind vane, anemometer, rain gauge, or hygrometer. Then you use it to record the weather for one week.

Do I have to give a speech for the Weather merit badge?

Yes. You need to give a short talk, at least five minutes long, about safety rules for lightning, flash floods, and tornadoes. You can talk to your Scout troop or a Cub Scout pack.

Can I do the Weather merit badge on a campout?

Yes. Campouts are great for watching the sky, tracking clouds, and measuring weather. Just be sure to record your data and check forecasts too.

Do I have to talk to a real meteorologist for the Weather merit badge?

Yes. You need to visit or talk with someone who works in weather, like a TV weathercaster or someone from the National Weather Service. Ask what kind of weather is most dangerous in your area.

How do I tell the difference between a watch and a warning?

A watch means the weather could become dangerous. A warning means it already is. The Weather merit badge teaches you how to respond to both.

Is there a lot of writing in the Weather merit badge?

You will need to keep a weather log and write down what you learn. The writing is simple and helps you remember what you observed.

Can the Weather merit badge help with a future job?

Yes. There are many weather-related jobs. The Weather merit badge helps you learn what those jobs are and what they do.

How long does it take to finish the Weather merit badge?

That depends on how fast you work. You need to record weather for seven days and give a talk. Some Scouts finish in a few weeks.

Do I have to know all the types of clouds for the Weather merit badge?

Yes. You need to know clouds in the low, middle, and high levels. You also need to know what weather each cloud type usually brings.

The Weather merit badge teaches Scouts how to understand and watch the weather. Scouts learn about clouds, pressure systems, wind, and storms. They also study the water cycle and how the sun and Earth affect weather patterns. This helps Scouts know what kind of weather to expect and how to prepare for it.

Scouts also learn how to stay safe during lightning, tornadoes, and flash floods. They give a talk on weather safety and learn how their local community receives weather alerts. They also keep a weather log for seven days, tracking wind, clouds, temperature, and rain.

The Weather merit badge also shows how people affect the climate through farming, building, and using fuel. Scouts talk with a weather expert and explore careers in meteorology, aviation, farming, and safety. This helps them see how weather connects to everyday life.

Whether it’s watching clouds or building a rain gauge, the Weather merit badge helps Scouts look up, pay attention, and be ready for anything nature sends their way.