Overhead Instrument Temp Gage reads outside temperature = 145 F?

The temperature sensor may be up near the radiator, and if it is loose and touching the radiator is will read high like this. Find the sensor and you will likely see it is not installed correctly.

I'm no help but I have the same problem, except that mine veries from 110 to 127 or so but when I look out at the snow and ice, it looks and feels much colder! A mechanic told me that I need a new sensor for about 140 buck. I asked a pretty knowledgeable friend where the sensor is located. I had always wondered about that , anyway, because obviously it has to be somewhere that engine heat would not affect it. He told me to look behind the front bumper. I just did that tonight and see on the front of the radiator a little black thingie shaped somewhat like a spark plug clamped up under there. I'm trying now to find repair info on the internet which will show me how to replace it AFTER i make sure that that is what it is