Explorer running hot

I have a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport 87,000 miles and the Engine is running hot. Very hot. The needle goes from C to H in about 5 minutes! The battery light is on, the Check Gauge light is on and the Check Engine light is on. I made sure that there is coolant, although it looked like it was sputtering all over the engine when I raised the hood (green liquid) was all over. I let the car cool down as I was on the highway. It still starts and runs, but gets hot pretty quickly again. Then there is a strange "whirring" noise once I stop the car. This just started last night. What could be the problem? I just got the car in February, so, I am unsure of the upkeep before that
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