A HEATWAVE waiting in the wings is expected to push the mercury into the high 30s when it hits the Whitsunday early next week.

Climate forecaster with the Bureau of Meteorology Harry Clark warned temperatures will build through the weekend and 37-38 degree days are expected to arrive in time for the beginning of the working week on Monday.

"There will be pretty high temperatures throughout the Whitsundays but will be more moderate over coastal areas," he said.

"Inland through the Proserpine area we will see high temperatures."

Hamilton Island is expecting 32-33 degree days from Monday onwards.

"We will see some pretty warm overnight minimums as well, from 24 to 25 and even 26 degrees along the coast," Mr Clark said.

The BoM's Heatwave Service for Australia is predicting "severe heatwave conditions for Sunday Monday and Tuesday".

"Part of the reason we will see these temperatures is the ridge along the coast has weakened and we will lose our onshore flow and will experience a stagnant airmass and light wind weather pattern," Mr Clark said.

"Which will stop any relief in the form of strong winds and cool air form the south.

"Probably the only saving grace will be the afternoon sea breeze along the coastal strip."

Mr Clark said it was the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions who are impacted most severely by severe weather conditions.

"They need to be checking the advice of Queensland Health and obviously try and stay as cool as they can as it is going to be an extended warm period," he said.

The bureau said there is no major weather systems on the radar which will lead to the abating of the predicted extreme heat wave, and hotter than median temperatures could extend into late next week.

"It is going to remain warm for an extended period, for the foreseeable future at this stage," Mr Clark said.

Rain forecasts were looking grim for local sugarcane grower with no onshore shower activity on the cards for the Proserpine region.

"There is not going to be much. And once this ridge weakens tomorrow and Saturday it will kill off any chance of onshore shower activity," he said.

"Unfortunately there is no rain bearing systems in the forecast at the moment."

Where to cool off

At long last there have been reports from Cedar Creek that the water is coming over the falls. To be sure of a good spot be there early on Saturday and Sunday.

Looking a bit further a field the Finch Hatton Gorge inland from Mackay is the perfect day trip destination for those looking to cool off this weekend.

Closer to home the Coral Sea Resort offers a lunch special and use of the pool is included for $35 per person.

This is dependant on the hotel's vacancy rates, so check on Friday night or Saturday morning to see if packages are available by calling 4964 1300.

The Anchor Bar has an amazing pool with a view of Pioneer Bay and is the perfect place to take in a swim and get a bite to eat.

New Beach in Airlie Beach has a stinger net and is patrolled at the weekend. Check with the Whitsunday Coast Life Saving Club who post updates about the marine stinger threat.

And of course you can't go past the The Airlie Beach for a dip when the mercury starts to rise.