The Twin Cities could get nearly an inch of rain Thursday as temperatures drop during the day, leaving the possibility for a little slush and snow, but no accumulation. It was already snowing early Thursday in western parts of the state as the cold front moves in. Areas in the northern part of the state could get 2-3 inches of snow on the grass, forecasters say.

Earlier this year we heard doomsday reports of dreadful temperatures and deep snow. How could forecasts be so far off? One reason could be a phenomenon know as "Arctic Oscillation," which can't be predicted more than two weeks out. One scientist says high-pressure far up north has trapped the cold there and that we can expect the mild temperatures to continue ... for at least two more weeks.

Forecasters say the storm will travel a narrow path across the southern part of Minnesota -- maybe only 20 to 30 miles wide. But if you're in that path, your snowfall total may even reach 10 inches. The Twin Cities may get away with just an inch or so.

Kare 11's Sven Sundgaard says a snowstorm might brush the Twin Cities this weekend, with the southeastern suburbs seeing 1 to 3 inches while just a few flakes dust the northwestern burbs. The National Weather Service in Chanhassen and the Star Tribune's Paul Douglas are bringing us similar forecasts.

Perhaps Old Man Winter heard us snickering about this year's "winter." The Leap Day Storm left a foot of snow across much of central Minnesota, knocked out power to many Minnesotans, closed schools, and left traffic accidents in its wake.