Update 4.30pm
AN earlier severe thunderstorm warning has been updated to include the Redlands.
According to the Weather Bureau, the storms currently sweeping through Beaudesert and Ipswich are forecast to affect Cleveland by 5.25pm.
Damaging winds and large hailstones are likely, with wind gusts up to 81km/hr recorded at Gatton about 4pm.
UPDATE 4.10pm
THE weather bureau has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of the south-east, including the Scenic Rim and parts of Logan.
According to the bureau, damaging winds and large hailstones are likely.
As at 3.30pm, severe storms near Toowoomba, Jandowae and Mount Barney were moving east. They were forecast to affect Boonah and Gatton about 4pm and Ipswich, Beaudesert and Laidley just after 4.30pm.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advised that people should move their cars undercover or away from trees, secure loose outdoor items, seek shelter and beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 4:00 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Boonah, Laidley, Gatton and Mt Mowbullan. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east to northeast. They are forecast to affect Ipswich and Beaudesert by 4:35 pm and Coolangatta and Kingaroy by 5:05 pm.
EARLIER
THE south-east faces a 50-50 chance of showers and potentially a severe storm this afternoon and evening.
Weather Bureau forecasters say Redlands will have a top of 29 degrees, while to the south-west Beaudesert (34) and Jimboomba (35) face a hot day.
Despite the moister conditions, and showers over the past fortnight, fire danger remains high due to lengthy dry conditions.
Temperatures will fall to between 13 and 18 degrees tonight.
It will be mostly sunny Saturday with overnight temperatures falling to between 11 and 16 degrees with daytime temperatures reaching 27 to 33.
Last year much of the south-east missed out on the storm season, a period that reduces fire hazards, greens up backyards and gardens and gets spring pasture growth under way.
