Singapore shortens Friday sermons as mercury threatens to hit 35°C

Singapore's Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) has announced that Friday prayer sermons will be shortened due to soaring temperatures and hazy conditions. The first sermon will be reduced from six to seven pages to under four pages, making it easier for worshippers to gather and remain comfortable. The shortened format will be implemented for the afternoon Zohor prayers, which currently take place shortly after 1pm, until further notice.

With daily maximum temperatures expected to range between 33°C and 34°C, and potentially reaching a high of 35°C, Muis hopes this adjustment will help worshippers cope with the challenging weather. The Meteorological Service Singapore warns that transboundary haze from fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan could further worsen air quality, which is currently in the moderate range but could deteriorate if the regional fires intensify.