Ho ho ho, it's gonna be hot, hot, hot for Christmas Day weather

There's a risk of isolated, but heavy, downpours in inland areas of the North Island on Christmas Day. Image/weatherwatch.co.nz

Just four days out until the big man in the red suit arrives and it's shaping up to be a scorcher for most areas around the country.

Weatherwatch.co.nz is predicting a minimum 20 degrees for everywhere around the country, with the West Coast and Southland being the coolest and likely the wettest.

However, there was a cold front out in the Tasman Sea to keep an eye which has the possibility of bringing a few showers and wind.

"Sub-tropical winds for some in the North Island while the nor'westers kick in through inland areas of both islands. The hottest areas will be in the east from Canterbury northwards, the wettest will be on the West Coast."

The hottest areas will be eastern parts of both islands, which can expect highs in the late 20s and possibly up to, or around, 30 degrees.

Most other places will be warm to hot in the mid to late 20s.

The coolest part of the country will be the West Coast and Southland on Christmas Day. Image/weatherwatch.co.nz

As for rain, cloud builds up around the North Island in the afternoon which could produce some isolated but heavy downpours through inland areas.

The wettest will be Fiordland and the West Coast, especially the southern half, with a chance of heavy falls.

There could also be showers or patches of rain for Southland and parts of Otago later in the day.

The driest area looks like around Nelson-Marlborough, which has the lowest risk of rain or showers.

Xmas Day injuries

Meanwhile, a hot and dry Christmas Day does also bring the risk of misadventure.

ACC Minister Iain Lees-Galloway said more people spend time in hospital or are hurt during the Christmas period than at any other time of the year and he's asking everyone to take care.

Last year ACC received 3754 claims for injuries received on Christmas Day alone and the cost was $2.8 million.

"Through last summer's holiday period close to $100,000 was spent on treatment for accidents relating to Christmas trees, nearly $50,000 for Christmas lights accidents and eight claims were made for wine cork injuries," he said.

"For obvious reasons, a little too much Christmas cheer can lead to increased risk of injury.

"So please be careful, be aware of the dangers and, especially, keep an eye on the kids."

TODAY'S TEMPERATURES

* Whangarei 25
* Auckland 23
* Hamilton 24
* Tauranga 27
* Wellington 20
* Christchurch 24
* Dunedin 20
* Invercargill 19