Why is the temperature gauge jumping into the red?

Im suddenly having a problem with my big rig. It worked fine about an hour ago, but now I cant get it to start. When I turn the key the water temperature light comes on and the temp gauge climbs to the red and then shoots back down to nothing and the light goes out. Then when I try to start it it just clicks like the starter motor cant turn over. Now its only about 25 degrees here and I only ran the truck for about 5 mins so theres no way its actually overheating. Ive never had a problem with this truck before, and Im a novice mechanic. Any suggestions?