All worksheets / Weather
Edition 2026Active Merit Badge
Weather
Official Requirements & Fillable Workbook · 2026 Edition
Weather is the study of atmospheric pressure, temperature, moisture, and wind patterns that create our daily climate. You will identify cloud formations at every altitude, track weather fronts on synoptic maps, and understand severe storms. Requirement 10 involves tracking local conditions and recording daily forecasts for seven straight days.
Key Requirements Covered:
- Atmospheric Dynamics, Pressure & Wind
- Cloud Classification & Precipitation Types
- Weather Maps, Radar & Forecasting Models
- Severe Weather Safety: Tornadoes & Hurricanes
6Printable Pages
12Requirements
2026Reqs Revised
What is on the worksheet: Weather Requirements
Every requirement for the Weather merit badge, word for word as published, with room to write under each one on the printed worksheet.
1Define meteorology
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.
2Safety and First Aid
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.
3Sources of Weather Forecasts
Identify at least two sources of weather forecasts that can be used to prepare for hikes, overnight camping, and other outdoor activities. Name two sources of emergency weather warnings both at home and during outdoor Scout functions.
4High and Low Pressure Systems
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.
5Wind, Rain, Lightning, and Hail
Tell what causes wind, why it rains, and how lightning and hail are formed.
6Clouds at Every Level
Identify and describe clouds in the low, middle, and upper levels of the atmosphere. Relate these to specific types of weather.
7The Water Cycle
Draw a diagram of the water cycle and label its major processes. Explain the water cycle to your counselor.
8Human Activity and Climate
Identify some human activities that can alter the environment, and describe how they affect the climate and people.
9Earth's Tilt and Regional Climate
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.
10Option Selection
Do ONE of the following:
- a Make one of the following instruments: wind vane, anemometer, rain gauge, or 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 or guardian'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.
11Safety and First Aid
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.
12Careers
Explore careers related to this merit badge. Research one career to learn about the training and education needed, costs, job prospects, salary, job duties, and career advancement. Your research methods may include—with your parent or guardian's permission—an internet or library search, an interview with a professional in the field, or a visit to a location where people in this career work. Discuss with your counselor both your findings and what about this profession might make it an interesting career.
Two dates, two different things
Requirements Revision vs. Worksheet Date
Scouting America last revised the Weather requirements in 2026. That is the badge, not this sheet — an older year does not mean the worksheet is out of date.
Verbatim Fidelity & Verification
This worksheet was checked against https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/weather/ in Aug 2026 and reproduces the requirements word for word. Both dates are printed on the sheet, so a copy in a binder can always be placed in time.
Requirement text is © Scouting America, reproduced verbatim. The worksheet layout and design are original to this project.
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