1993 Mazda Protege - Temperature Gauge High

my 1993 Mazda Protege's temperature gauge goes all the way to the top after about 5+ miles of driving. Surprisingly - it is towards the middle when actually driving - but as soon as I stop at a traffic light or in traffic - it begins its climb all the way to the top and drops back down when I start accelerating.

Any idea what may be happening? Is the car in trouble??

any help is appreciated....

regards,
AB

AB, are the cooling fans running when the temperature is high? If not check the fan fuse. They should come when the gauge needle goes a little past the middle.

Clifton

check your thermostat, that might be the problem also