But it did not stop people from heading to the seaside to enjoy an afternoon out.
Mail audio visual editor Frank Reid caught up with these visitors to Seaton Carew and Hartlepool Marina on Bank Holiday Monday.
And at least the sun made a brief appearance while they were there.
For a gallery of photographs of people enjoying Good Fry-day in Hartlepool, click here.
1. Dog day afternoon
Lola with her mummy Linda Hatcher. Picture by FRANK REID Photo: Frank Reid
2. Holiday heaven
Savannah Wheatley, seven, from Hartlepool, with her ice cream. Picture by FRANK REID. Photo: Frank Reid
3. Day out
Luca Cole pretending to load the cannon on the deck of HMS Trincomalee at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool. Picture by FRANK REID Photo: Frank Reid
4. Family picnic
The Rogerson family, from Newton Aycliffe, enjoying their fish and chip picnic. Picture by Frank Reid. Photo: Frank Reid