My 2000 Accord's combination switch is iffy in cold weather. The left
(light) stalk is fine, but on the right stalk I have to fish around to
find the right spot to get the wipers going. It's just the twist
action -- the "mist" and washer fluid functions work fine.

Once the car warms up, there's no problem. What's going on here?

I had a similar problem on my 87 Accord some years back and replaced
the whole combination switch. Manageable enough a job, but there was
no airbag to contend with on that car...