<p>The correct accounting for the thermal effects is always a challenge when one needs to make quantitative predictions for any laser applications. In such complicated devices as quantum cascade lasers, the temperature strongly affects the operational conditions. In particular, it prevents reaching the CW mode as well as effective device performance in the pulsed regime. The rate equations are the most effective and simple way to model the lasing dynamics. However, the conventional approaches consider a finite number of population levels and generalize the obtained results to an infinite number of cascades. The latter may lead to unavoidable non-physical results and difficulties in making quantitative predictions. In this work, we modify the conventional three-level rate equation approach by adding a self-heating description and applying it to the calculation of the QCL dynamics. Our results highlight the significant influence of temperature on threshold characteristics and build-up time, while also integrating electronic effects into the overall description of QCL behavior.</p>