THE Southern Downs will swelter under searing temperatures from Sunday as severe heatwave condition blast southeast Queensland.

Next week will see successive days reaching 38 degrees in Warwick, some nine degrees above the average February maximum of 29.5 degrees.

Stanthorpe will reach a shocking 35 degrees, almost 10 degrees above their February average.

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist James Thompson said the cooler weather of the past week was well and truly gone.

"That cool south-easterly breeze is also gone and we're going to see a very stable weather pattern settle in over southern Queensland," he said.

"This will mean, with little to no breeze, the air will just continue to keep heating up, making for some sweltering conditions, especially in the Southern Downs which will see higher temperature than a lot of other areas."

Mr Thompson said overnight minimums would struggle to get below 20 degrees.

"That's three to five degrees above the average minimum temperature for February in Warwick," he said.

"Determining a heatwave is a fairly complex process, taking into account the prolonged period and what's happened recently.

"As it's been quite cool lately, this heat will have quite a large impact."

Mr Thompson recommended people stayed up to date with Qld Health and take heed of their suggestions about keeping safe over the next week.

"This sort of weather can be potentially dangerous to both humans and animals," he said.

Warwick

February average maximum temperature - 29.5 degrees

February record temperature - 42.2degrees in 2017

Saturday - 36

Sunday - 38

Monday - 38

Tuesday - 37

Wednesday - 38

Thursday - 38　

Stanthorpe

February average maximum temperature - 26.5 degrees

February record temperature - 37.2 degrees in 1983

Saturday - 31

Sunday - 34

Monday - 34

Tuesday - 33

Wednesday - 34

Thursday - 35

With another heatwave looming, Queensland's electricity system is ready - but consumers can still beat the heat and the power bill according to Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Dr Anthony Lynham.

"Queensland has more than enough electricity, and reserves, to meet the anticipated demand over this very hot weekend," Dr Lynham said.

"The independent Australian Energy Market Operator forecasts that Queensland will have more than 2000 megawatts of generation in reserve over the coming week, despite the heatwave forecast.

"That reserve capacity alone is more than enough to power 1 million homes during peak demand.

"But householders can still take some simple measures to manage their energy use during peak times."

• Set air conditioners to 24 degrees which is the best balance of energy efficiency and cooling comfort. Every degree of extra cooling can increase energy consumption by around 5-10 per cent.
• Seal gaps and close doors, windows and curtains to cool rooms quicker.　　
• If you haven't already, clean your air conditioner filter.

Other tips include:

• Turn off your second fridge or freezer;
• Wash laundry in cold water and do the laundry outside of 4pm to 8pm (peak demand);
• Run the dishwasher outside of 4pm to 8pm (peak demand);
• Defrost your freezer regularly. The frost build up should never exceed a thickness of 6mm. A fuller freezer prevents heavy icing;
• Use your clothesline instead of your dryer;
• Ensure the seals on your fridge are clean and in good working order to stop cold air getting out; and
• When not in use, switch off appliances, including TVs, computers and game consoles, rather than leaving them on standby.