Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting High Pitched Noise on Startup when Cold/Wet

I could use some help in diagnosing this problem:

2000 Contour SE Sport V-6/MTX, 47,000 Miles

I get a loud high-pitched noise from the engine compartment on startup when the engine is cold (sitting for at least 4-5 hours) and wet.

The following conditions apply:
1) The noise is heard regardless of whether car is moving/in-gear or stopped/in-neutral
2) The pitch of the noise is RPM-dependent (it gets higher pitched when the revs increase)
3) The noise lasts only for a minute or two once the car is driven.
4) The noise sounds more like a whistle than a screeching, leading me to believe that it is not an accessory bearing. Howerver, I can't confirm that it is a whistle.

Thanks for any suggestions!