The cancellation of the two fighters comes in the wake of the PBY Catalina flying boat operators also pulling the pin.
Mr Nash said the club still expected the Warbirds Harvard display team to arrive, although at this stage that too was weather permitting.
If they do arrive they will put on the traditional Friday night display over Marine Parade slightly earlier at 7.30am "before it becomes too dark".
While the P51 Mustang and several Tiger Moths were still on the schedule they too would come under the "weather permitting" banner.
"At this stage all will go ahead as planned with the aircraft that can get through being on display at the Hawke's Bay Airport on the Saturday and Sunday from 9am."
The wet weather is being whipped up by a trough of low pressure forecast to extend southwards over the North Island today and tomorrow before weakening on Saturday.
The trough is expected to bring rain to northern and eastern parts of the North Island, with localised heavy falls and isolated thunderstorms possible in some areas.
According to WeatherWatch the chance of rain for Hawke's Bay on Friday is 100 per cent, with 70 per cent chance on Saturday and 40 per cent on Sunday - driven by easterlies, although accompanied by temperatures in the mid-20s.
But for the devoted and determined Art Deco Trust crew, the battalions of volunteers, sponsors and associates, there was nothing but optimism, a sort of spirit of the blitz, with Art Deco Trust general manager Shane Gorst simply saying the show must go on - and it will.
"Apart from the aerial displays there is nothing in the festival that cannot go ahead," he said.
"There are 250 events and we will always find a way - no turning back."
Mr Gorst said he was confident any rain would be more a gentle spray or passing light showers.
"You can't do anything about the weather," he said.
"Be optimistic, and if in doubt take a nice brollie."
The trust would keep people up to date on any developments on its Facebook page, and Hawke's Bay Tourism would also run updates.
