The other day I ran out for 20 minutes and when I got back into town my temperature gauge was way hot, reading like 240. My check gauges light came on too.
It was only really hot for about 5 minutes but it's something I don't want to ignore.

Ever since then it has been cruising at 210 as usual but will go up to 225 temporarily and drop down. Then go back up bouncing between the two.

It's going in for inspection next week so I'm taking a hunch and saying I need some new fluids but has anyone else had this happen?

(2001 jeep cherokee sport, 4.0L all stock)

I would check it out really carefully since you have a 01. That means you have the crappy 0331 head. Which are known for cracking very easily especially after over heating. I would start by checking your oil to see if you have any coolant in the oil. You can also remove the oil fill cap and see if you have any coolant in the valve cover. Also check your radiator and look for any lost coolant. When you remove the oil fill cap have a good bright flash light and check inside. Sometimes you can see the crack in the head if it did crack. Hopefully you don't have a cracked head. Start with checking those things and get back to use letting use know what you have found and we can go from there.
Good Luck and I hope that you didn't crack the head.

Is the electric fan working? Is the coolant color green, or is it rust colored? You might need a thermostat and/or a water pump. Check you fluid level. You do not want to run your xj hot. You'll ruin the head

I had the head checked last week actually. I thought it was causing my oil pressure problem, but it's my cam bearings.

I just checked my oil, it appears to be normal so I don't think it is cracked (yet). I'll get to the radiator once it cools down later tonight, I just drove it so it's still pretty hot.

I actually went mudding a few weeks ago and didn't really clean the engine bay, could this have something to do with it?

If the rad exterior is clogged with mud, it can cause overheating. With regard to cooling system maintenance, which list is shorter......what has been done or what hasn't been done?

Check your eFan. It could be turning but not fast enough to draw in enough air, it's a one speed fan and you should be able to hear it. I also agree to checking your radiator and making sure its not full of mud

Any update

sorry I've been busy. But the efan works normally, it's definitely spinning fast enough. The coolant looks the same as when i put it in a few weeks ago. i hosed the radiator to get all the mud off but it really wasn't too bad, the rain kinda did most of the work.

The temp still rises to about 220. It's only does it every 5 or 6 times I use it though. It's been staying at 210 for the most part.

I did pop the cap to check the head again, it still appears to be normal thankfully.

Have you verified the temperature with an IR thermometer pointed at the thermostat housing?

+1 to what djb383's asking

I'd say the list of things I haven't done is shorter cause I'm so busy most of the time. working full time and going to school full time, It's hard to find time to get under the hood.
I have not verified the temp with an IR thermometer.

I'm dropping it off at the shop on Monday for inspection so I'll have them deal with it, they don't charge me for little things like that.

I have a 2000. I just changed the water pump/thermostat/coolant. made all the difference in the world on mine. Another member did the same, and it still ran hot. His needed a radiator. If you coolant is old it needs to be changed. Mine looked good at when I looked at it. When I emptied the coolant into a 5 gallon pail, that's when i realized how bad it looked.

I have a leak in my coolant reservoir I'm pretty sure. It was at the top line when I changed my fluid. The next few days I checked it and there was just enough in there to cover the bottom.
I'm not sure if it's a hose or the plastic thing itself, but as for now i'll let it alone until monday cause I honestly don't know what I'm doing when it comes to radiators.. :/

The plastic resovior is held on by 2 screws. you can take that off and inspect it for leaks/cracks. chances are it's fine.....you're losing coolant somewhere. It's possible you've got a cracked head.