"like it is starving for gas" which would mean it would be bucking and stumbling like crazy. But so far you've only said it does not want to accelerate - as in gutless, down on power - so I assume the engine is not actually missing (like it was starving for gas).

While not exactly temperature-related I might suspect a blocked exhaust caused by a disintegrating cat; it can come and go at will, and when blocked the car will be an absolute dog with a straight leg on the gas pedal. A bad knock sensor might be knocking your timing back. Also check for any blockage of the intake and operation of the heater door, and verify a squirrel hasn't set up home in the air box.