Ok so today I drove my Audi to do a very important errand (mind you I have hardly driven it this summer) and before I got to my destination I decided to stop by the drive thru to get a quick bite. As I was pulling up to the speaker I noticed my temperature gauge migrating toward the first mark to the right. It hit the first mark briefly then retreated back and stayed between the center and first marks for a few mins. This is the second time this happens this summer without using the A/C. The outside temp today was about 96F degrees and the last time it did that the temp was the same also. Both times the needle stayed between the 12 and 1 o clock mark hitting the 1 o'clock briefly. As I accelerate my engine sounds like a pick up truck engine which means that my clutch fan engages. I do have a coolant leak in the back of my engine but my coolant level was ok both times since I always check the level every time and add coolant if necessary. Should I be concerned or should be adding a new water pump job in the near future? Could it be the thermostat? I noticed a soft to medium squeal in the front of my engine that sounds that its coming from the clutch fan area and it gets faster when I accelerate it doesn't get louder. I've done research and some posts point to the water pump squealing but putting my ear in front in the area where the fan sits the noise seems to come from there. I'd really appreciate some help cuz I am at a bit of a loss here already.

Car details:
2001 Audi A6 avant quattro 2.8 V6 174,095 mi
New timing belt water pump and thermostat done at 154,900 April 2012.