Crj-900 flight crew reported high engine oil temperature led to a return to the departure airport.

Narrative:

While climbing through an altitude of approximately FL120; captain called my attention to a high oil temperature on the number 2 engine. When I first observed the temperature; it was in the yellow range. I cannot recall the exact temperature at the time I first observed. As I watched it; I can confirm that the temperature did reach 165; which was in the red range. After reducing power on the number 2 engine; the temperature returned to the yellow range. Captain and I discussed the plan of action and considered all influencing factors. One of the determining factors worth noting is that we had a line of scattered thunderstorms approximately 80 miles in front of us. As we prepared for an air return to [the departure airport]; the engine oil temperature remained in the yellow range. While briefing the return; we discussed that we would be landing over weight. On final approach; the number 2 temperature reduced into the green range; but remained higher than number 1. Just before touch down I observed a descent rate of 200 FPM. The landing was smooth and soft. We landed at a landing weight of approximately 81;000 lbs. We exited the runway and returned to the gate without incident.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: CRJ-900 flight crew reported high engine oil temperature led to a return to the departure airport.

Narrative: While climbing through an altitude of approximately FL120; Captain called my attention to a high oil temperature on the number 2 engine. When I first observed the temperature; it was in the yellow range. I cannot recall the exact temperature at the time I first observed. As I watched it; I can confirm that the temperature did reach 165; which was in the red range. After reducing power on the number 2 engine; the temperature returned to the yellow range. Captain and I discussed the plan of action and considered all influencing factors. One of the determining factors worth noting is that we had a line of scattered thunderstorms approximately 80 miles in front of us. As we prepared for an air return to [the departure airport]; the engine oil temperature remained in the yellow range. While briefing the return; we discussed that we would be landing over weight. On final approach; the number 2 temperature reduced into the green range; but remained higher than number 1. Just before touch down I observed a descent rate of 200 FPM. The landing was smooth and soft. We landed at a landing weight of approximately 81;000 lbs. We exited the runway and returned to the gate without incident.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	1544682
Time
Date	201805
Local Time Of Day	0601-1200
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.TRACON
State Reference	US
Environment
Flight Conditions	VMC
Light	Daylight
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Regional Jet 900 (CRJ900)
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Climb
Flight Plan	IFR
Component
Aircraft Component	Powerplant Lubrication System
Person 1
Function	First Officer Pilot Not Flying
Qualification	Flight Crew Multiengine Flight Crew Instrument
Person 2
Function	Captain Pilot Flying
Qualification	Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP) Flight Crew Instrument Flight Crew Multiengine
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe