The summer monsoon season that began on Jeju Island on June 18 came to an end with nationwide downpours last week, the Korea Meteorological Administration said on Wednesday.

The monsoon season lasted 30 days in the southern part of the country and on Jeju Island but only 19 days in the central part, compared to the average 32 days.

The KMA thought the seasonal rain front could have formed again and decided to wait one more week before officially announcing the end of the wet season on Wednesday.

"The rainy season ended early because typhoon Khanun, which hit Korea last week, pushed the seasonal rain front out to China," said a weatherman. "The rainy season may have ended, but the scorching temperatures will continue until early August, and unstable atmospheric conditions could cause sudden torrential showers."

Scorching temperatures that began in the southern part last Thursday continued for the sixth day on Wednesday. According to the KMA, Milyang, South Gyeongsang Province saw the mercury rise to 36.7 degrees Celsius, the highest so far this year. Most of the southern part saw temperatures rise to 33 degrees.

Heat warnings have also been issued for Seoul and other parts of the central region.