Welding systems having non-contact temperature measurement systems

A welding system, comprising:

• a welding torch having a handle configured to be utilized in a welding operation to establish a welding arc between the welding torch and a workpiece;
• and
• a temperature sensing system comprising a temperature sensor mounted to the welding torch such that at least a portion of the handle is between the location of mounting and arc generating end of the welding torch, the temperature sensing system configured to sense a temperature of the workpiece, wherein the temperature sensing system is configured to be adjusted between multiple positions to position the temperature sensor in a variety of configurations with respect to the welding torch.