Weather and the Trail to Eagle
Weather is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Weather Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 11 main requirements for Weather. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Define meteorology. Explain what weather is and what climate is. Discuss how the weather affects farmers, sailors, aviators, and the outdoor construction industry.
- 2
Name five dangerous weather-related conditions. Give the safety rules for each and explain the difference between a severe weather watch and a warning.
- 3
Explain the difference between high- and low-pressure systems in the atmosphere. Tell which is related to good and to poor weather.
- 4
Tell what causes wind, why it rains, and how lightning and hail are formed.
- 5
Identify and describe clouds in the low, middle, and upper levels of the atmosphere.
- 6
Draw a diagram of the water cycle and label its major processes.
- 7
Identify some human activities that can alter the environment, and describe how they affect the climate and people.
- 8
Describe how the tilt of Earth's axis helps determine the climate of a region.
- 9
Do ONE of the following: make one weather instrument and keep a daily weather log for one week, or visit a National Weather Service office or talk with a meteorologist.
- 10
Give a talk of at least five minutes to a group explaining the outdoor safety rules in the event of lightning, flash floods, and tornadoes.
- 11
Find out about a weather-related career opportunity that interests you.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Weather Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Weather, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Weather is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.
3. Budget the time
Expect about a month for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 11 Weather requirements for you.
Weather Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Weather merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Weather is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Weather merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Weather in about a month, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Weather merit badge?
Weather is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Weather can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Weather merit badge have?
Weather has 11 main requirements, for 11 items in total.
