The magnetic field is collapsing!

Well, not really.

But it does appear that the Earth's magnetic field is about to collapse--temporarily--while it undergoes a reversal sometime within the next few thousand years.

So, compasses are going to be kind of difficult to use, and without the magnetic field to protect satellites, global positioning systems are also going to be a bit of a challenge. It'll sort of resemble The Core, except the acting won't be so bad, and without the special effects budget and the liquid magma.

And you thought negotiating rush-hour traffic in Boston was tough before. . . .