The paper evaluates the thermal behavior of an induction machine based on a coupled electromagnetic-thermal model using 2D non-linear complex finite element method. The currents and the temperature distribution in a squirrel cage induction motor in transient state are investigated and presented. The convection heat transfer coefficient between the frame and ambient and the windings are treated with particular attention. The developed method can be applied to other electric machines having negligible axial heat flow. The corroboration of the theoretical/simulated results have been investigated, experimentally using a 2.2 kW totally enclosed fan-cooled induction motor. The simulated results and those obtained from measurements have been critically evaluated and showed good agreements.