The accumulated precipitation during this year's 36-day long monsoon stood at around 60 to 70 percent of the level of past years.

With rainfall of some 100 millimeters less this year, the monsoon failed to completely quench the prolonged drought.

With the rainy season ending Wednesday, the subsequent heat wave has been intensifying in Korea.

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecast Thursday that sultry heat and tropical nights will mark the peak of summer for about 15 days.

Afternoon highs in Daegu on Thursday reached 37 degrees Celsius, three degrees higher than Wednesday.

Heat alerts have been stepped up a notch in southern regions while heat advisories are also issued in some areas in the central region.