SINGAPORE, Aug. 21 -- With temperatures soaring and hazy skies looming, Friday prayer sermons at mosques across Singapore are getting a temporary trim.

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) announced today that the first sermon will be slashed from the usual six to seven pages to under four pages, local news outlet Straits Times reported today.

"May this step will make it easier for worshippers to gather, worship and remain comfortable in these challenging weather conditions," Muis added.

This shorter format will remain in place until further notice for the afternoon Zohor prayers, which currently take place shortly after 1pm.

The move comes as the weatherman warns of scorching daily maximum temperatures ranging between 33...