1. A machine-implemented method comprising: retrieving, by a processor of a data processing system having a housing that houses at least the processor and a memory, from the memory of the data processing system, a representation of a thermal model of a temperature of a target location on the housing of the data processing system, wherein the thermal model includes: a first component which estimates a steady state temperature of the target location on the housing of the data processing system based on a steady state temperature behavior of a location inside of the housing, and a second component which estimates a transient temperature of the target location on the housing of the data processing system based on a transient temperature behavior of the location inside of the housing; receiving, by the processor, temperature data from a temperature sensor located at the location inside of the housing; estimating, by the processor, the temperature of the target location on the housing of the data processing system based on the temperature data for the location inside of the housing using the thermal model; and initiating a signal, by the processor, in response to the estimated temperature of the target location being at or above a predetermined temperature, wherein the signal causes a reduction in the temperature of the target location on the housing.