1991 240 Possible overheating

[faof2]

121,000 miles. The heat gauge has been going up to just below the “red” zone recently. However, when I stop I do not notice that “hot” smell I’ve come to associate with an overheating condition, I do not hear any associated sounds (hissing, rumbling), and when I squeeze the top radiator hose, it does not seem to have much pressure. On other cars in the past, anytime I’ve squeezed the hose when it is overheating, it is under high pressure, even when not overheated. Is the pressure of the top radiator hose a reliable indicator of overheating? Is there a simple way to determine the actual temperature of the coolant?
I realize that the gauge may be defective, or the thermostat might be stuck.
Anticipating that the answer offered is “no, a soft radiator hose does not mean the engine is not overheating”, I ask why this car would be the exception to my experience?

[lummert]

Infrared thermometer aimed at different hoses or at the thermostat housing.

[93Regina]

heat gauge has been going up to just below the “red” zone recently.

Might read thru this post, especially links in post two.