A motor speed control circuit includes a temperature sensor providing a first voltage output which is proportional to the temperature and a control voltage generator having an internal voltage reference receiving the first output as an input. The control voltage generator develops a control voltage representative of a desired motor speed profile which varies substantially linearly between a first predetermined temperature and a second predetermined temperature and supplies the control voltage to a motor drive circuit with a motor drive voltage at its output. The control voltage is fed back to the temperature sensor to achieve a controlled, fast rising slope. A second feedback circuit results in a reduced slope of the voltage between the second predetermined temperature and a third predetermined temperature at which an alarm signal is generated. The circuit also is able to detect a stopped motor and provide an alarm.