Why is my engine overheating?

I have a 1997 Honda prelude and whenever I drive the car around the city or have it sit while its on for a little while, the temperature gauge will rise dramatically indicating that the engine is overheating. Also while the air is on, it sounds like the air will stop blowing for a second or blow differently and then the car will shudder and you can hear the exhaust or the heat shield in the exhaust shake and shudder. What could be the problem? Maybe a bad water pump?