After rain delayed the start to 1.10pm just 22 overs were possible before the weather intervened once more, bringing play to a halt with Durham having claimed two further wickets and the Warwickshire total at 195-7.
In the time on the field Ian Bell continued to bat well, reaching the 18th first class century of his career off 198 deliveries, including 13 boundaries and a six. Ian Blackwell made the breakthrough and went on to pick up both wickets of the innings, firstly ending Bell’s 87 run partnership with Tim Ambrose (39) when the latter was caught superbly well by Michael Di Venuto in the slips after the ball ricocheted off Ben Stokes thigh.
Having struck with the last ball of the 63rd over, the second scalp came off the first ball of his next over, with Rikki Clarke trapped lbw without scoring.
The rain continued to fall with puddles appearing on the outfield and despite efforts to keep the covers clear of water by the groundstaff play was abandoned for the day after the 5.00pm inspection by the umpires.