1997 jeep TJ wrangler 2.5l 5 speed manual.

Temp gauge sits at 210 then suddenly spikes to red zone check gauges light comes on. Lasts for 30 seconds to 1 minute then drops back to 210.

Happens at Highway driving conditions after being driven for 20 minutes or so.

could this be thermostat ?

 

just looking back over old posts.
This turned out to be a marginal radiator. installed a new one and problem resolved.