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MetService is forecasting rain and wind before Christmas and a damp day of festivities for much of the country.

Six heavy rain and strong wind watches have been issued today across parts of both islands with warnings to plan for board games instead of barbecues.

Forecasters reported a wedge of warm air is due to move in from the Tasman Sea this evening and rain to start falling on the South Island from 9pm.

The heaviest rain is expected overnight for the higher ground between Karamea and Greymouth, where a heavy rain watch is in place.

The front is expected to move to the North Island on Tuesday with watches to come into effect from 2am.

MetService reported the front will stall, with rain expected to be heaviest west of Taupō.

It will then continue north across the rest of Tuesday and into Wednesday.

The hills and ranges of Waikato and Waitomo near the coast from Raglan southwards are under a watch from midday tomorrow for 21 hours.

Southern and eastern districts would also be buffeted by strong gusty northwesterlies on Tuesday.

A strong wind watch was due to come into effect for Wellington, Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay from 6am.

Heavy rain watches have also been issued for the Tararua Range from 2am tomorrow, and the coastal hills and ranges of the Buller and Grey districts between Karamea and Greymouth from 9pm.

MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley said some Kiwis might need to plan for an indoor Christmas with showers possibly putting a damper on festivities.

“Weather on the west coast of the South Island will be more board games than barbecuing as an active front drags in some more rain,” Pawley said.

“This could be heavy for the Grey and Buller Districts later in the day. Winds are also expected to pick up about Canterbury High Country.”

He said the best Christmas weather is expected to be found on the east coast.

“If you’re chasing sunshine and warmer temperatures, the best bet is to travel east. Hastings is forecast to reach 30C, and Hawke’s Bay can expect to see blue skies.

“Christchurch and Kaikōura also look to get to a toasty 26C, but as the northwest winds pick up there will be a bit of that high cloud that Cantabrians know well.”