Meteorological car wash; wind, rain, snow north

You have to have a healthy sense of weather humor to live in Minnesota.

Our next weather maker is here with wind, rain and yes, even some slushy snow by evening. By Thursday another 1 to 2 inches of rain will fall across a large part of the southeast half of Minnesota. And here's the kicker -- you may wake up to at least that much slushy snow from St. Cloud to the North Shore.

Cue the four-letter weather words.

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Potent system

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Our latest low-pressure storm has plenty of oomph. Waves of wind-driven rain sweep across the region Wednesday. The heaviest rain will make it seem like you're driving in a car wash at times. This one is free.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's NAM 3 km model shows the swirling rain shield, and the developing slushy snow stripe Wednesday night.

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NOAA NAM 3 km resolution model today into Thursday morning via tropical tidbits.

Soaking rains

Another 1 to 2 inches of rain spreads across a big area Wednesday. Not the best scenario for farmers already behind pace for planting this spring.

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Canadian GEM model precipitation output via pivotal weather.

Excessive rainfall potential 

There is a marginal to slight risk that some areas could see flooding rains across the southeast half of Minnesota.

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Snow too

I won't be shocked to see a few snowflakes mix in as far south as the Twin Cities Thursday morning. Accumulating snows in Minnesota favor a zone either side of a St. Cloud-Mille Lacs-North Shore line.

I know. I had hoped to be done with this map too.

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Mixed weekend, warmer by Monday

Saturday still looks showery with a decent walleye chop. Sunday looks brighter for mom with a passing shower. Of course, Monday and Tuesday look brilliant.

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NOAA via Weather Bell.