The rivalry of State of Origin will go out the window over the next few days as the Sunshine State lends a helping hand to its southern neighbour.

Searing hot temperatures are expected at the weekend and Queensland will help keep the lights running - and airconditioners blasting - in NSW as energy demand skyrockets from Friday.

Searing hot temperatures are expected at the weekend and Queensland will help keep the lights running - and airconditioners blasting - in NSW as energy demand skyrockets from Friday. Credit:Peter Braig

The mercury was expected to reach a maximum of 38C on Friday in Sydney.

Queensland Energy Minister Mark Bailey said the northern state had a "very robust" power system, with excess capacity of about 2000 megawatts.