Weather

Requirements for the Weather merit badge:

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.

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.

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.

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. Relate these to specific types of weather.

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

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 near the equator, near the poles, and across the area in between.

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 1 week using information
from this instrument as well as from other sources such as local radio and
television stations or 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.

10.     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.

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.

Weather Merit Badge Workbook (Fillable)