Is it OK to exceed 100% engine RPM in cruise?

[Grisk]

It seems like maximum cruise power (based on the tables) cannot be achieved without exceeding 100% engine RPM.  Case in point:  I was cruising at 16,000 at 1250 prop RPM with engine RPM just below 100% (e.g., below the thick red lines).  At -29 deg. C the cruise tables indicated maximum power of about 87%, but I was only up to 70% torque, with ITTs around 810.  I could push torque higher with the ITTs staying under 850, but then engine RPM would go past the red line.  The red lines tell me that's probably a Bad Thing, so I tend to watch both ITT and engine RPM when setting power, whichever gets close to red line first is were the power is left.

[Goran_M]

Does the weather and barometrics also check out?  A lower baro pressure will need more power from the engines to reach speed. Higher temperatures also degrade performance.