The worst U.S. drought in decades is showing little signs of easing as farmers close out their corn harvests and pivot toward growing winter wheat that's now struggling in the dry conditions.

The weekly U.S. Drought Monitor update released Thursday shows that more than roughly 62% of the land in the lower 48 states is experiencing some degree of drought.

The federal government says farmers have harvested 87% of the nation's corn crop and 80% of its soybeans.

Farmers had planted 81% of the winter wheat crop as of Monday. Only half of the crop has emerged, which is 7%age points lower than average.

In South Dakota, only 13% of the wheat crop has germinated, compared with the 5-year average of 80%.