A risk analyst at a commodity trading firm is examining the supply and demand conditions for various commodities and is concerned about the volatility of the forward prices for silver in the medium term. Currently, silver is trading at a spot price of USD 20.35 per troy ounce and the 6-month forward price is quoted at USD 20.50 per troy ounce. Assuming that after 6 months the lease rate rises above the continuously compounded risk-free interest rate, which of the following statements is correct about the shape of the silver forward curve after 6 months?