It might be the start of autumn, but the summer-like weather is far from over in south-east Queensland, with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) predicting sweltering conditions over the next few days.

The southern part of the state is expected to suffer through a "severe" three-day heatwave starting Sunday, with temperatures expected to peak on Monday, with 36 degrees Celsius predicted for Brisbane and 39C for Ipswich.

On Sunday Brisbane reached 33C, while it hit 35.6C in Ipswich, 32C in Toowoomba, 29C in the Sunshine Coast and 30C on the Gold Coast.

BOM forecaster Michael Knepp said these temperatures were higher than average.

"We are looking at temperatures about 8C above normal. Some places might get upwards of 10C [above average]," he said.

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March records are also set to be broken at the start of the week, particularly in inland areas west of Brisbane.

Mr Knepp said although uncomfortable, the prolonged sticky conditions were normal for this time of year.

"Summer only finished about a week ago so it's not unusual … but as we go through the rest of autumn we start to see those temperatures ease back a bit," he said.

"If you really like the heat, this might be the last chance you might get to enjoy the hot weather."

The hot weather is expected to linger until the end of the week but will start to cool down from Wednesday, with a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms also forecast.

The heatwave is expected to bring a surge in visitors to Queensland's beaches. ( ABC News: Tom Forbes )

Lachlan Weston from Surf Life Saving Queensland said Gold Coast lifeguards were preparing for an influx of swimmers.

"We're expecting big crowds," he said.

Lifesaver Oriane Venet said they would be keeping a close eye on beachgoers, and urged people to stay hydrated.

"It's going to be very hot so be careful … stay in the shade and use umbrellas," she said.