USDA: 2013 was year of weather extremes in Wis.

2013 was a year of weather extremes in Wisconsin.

That’s according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s statistical arm. It says the state experienced unusual cold, drought and heavy rain — although not all at once.

The USDA said in a Wednesday report that Wisconsin had an unusually cold spring that included its fourth wettest April and 12th wettest May since 1895.

That delayed spring planting, but led to record maple syrup production as an extended period of cold nights and warmer days kept sap flowing.

Some areas of southern Wisconsin got as much as 11 inches of rain during the last week of June. But that was followed by the 12th driest July in 119 years.

August saw drought in western Wisconsin. It has been helped by autumn rain.