Drought conditions in Iowa intensified last week as high temperatures and lack of rain depleted soil moisture.

According to the Aug. 31 U.S. Drought Monitor, about 81% of Iowa is in some form of drought, with almost 18% of the state falling into the D3, extreme drought, category. D3 areas grew more than 12% from the previous week. 

The driest portions are in the eastern half of Iowa, running from Allamakee County south to...