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Fourteen U.S. states have had a substantial increase in coronavirus hospitalizations in the latest recorded week compared to the seven days prior, new maps produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show.

While there were 16,239 new admissions with the virus across the U.S. in the week ending November 11—an overall rise of 8.6 percent on the previous seven days—these increases have been higher in the upper Midwest, parts of the South Atlantic and southern Mountain regions. At the same time, the prevalence of positive tests has been elevated across the Midwest.

The uptick in hospitalizations is something health officials have expected as we enter the winter months.

Colder weather tends to lead to an increased spread in viruses and other infections, as immunity is lower, while one 2020 study suggested the COVID virus could remain active for longer in cold, dry conditions.